Student arrested after making online threat to Meriden middle school

MERIDEN, Conn (WTNH) — Meriden police have arrested an Edison Middle School student for allegedly making a threat against fellow students, according to authorities.

The Meriden Police Department and FBI New Haven, along with Meriden Public Schools, launched an investigation and identified where the threat originated. The male student has been charged with first-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace.

Police say the student was released to his parents’ custody, and they have been cooperative. He is scheduled to appear in juvenile court Monday morning.

Despite the arrest, Edison Middle School students will see added police.

Our News 8 crew spoke to several students before the arrest was made Sunday night; “I tend to get very nervous, and it’s scary, to be honest,” 7th grader Dyanel Ruiz said. “My mom told me, and she just said I’m not going to school until they tell me everything is OK.”

Police said they were made aware of the threat posted on the social media app Snapchat early Sunday morning.

“They’ve sent out notices to parents through the Meriden Police Department channels to make sure they are aware we are not only investigating this seriously, but we will have an increased police presence,” Mayor Kevin Scarpati said. “We are not sure if this is a credible threat or not.”

That means extra officers from 8:15 a.m. for drop-off through pick-up at 2:35 p.m.

Scarpati said they are taking this threat very seriously, and the safety of students and staff is their top priority.

“If we believe there is a credible threat and more action needs to be taken, we will take that action, but just know that if school remains on and in session tomorrow [Monday], you will see the increased police presence, and we will be sure our students and faculty are safe at all times,” Scarpati said. “Obviously, it is a concern.”

This threat came four days after two students and two teachers were shot and killed at a high school in Georgia , heightening anxiety for students, especially after this threat.

“Hearing it might happen to your school is scary to feel,” 7th grader Erist Solis said. “They should just close the school until they deal with the problem. I don’t know why they are opening the school like it’s a regular day.”

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