Vernon police arrest teen suspected in threats to schools, places of worship

VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) — Vernon police have arrested a 17-year-old for allegedly being involved in several bomb and “swatting” threats to schools and places of worship in Connecticut.

The teen is also part of a violent online group that has been responsible for thousands of threats and other crimes that have happened around the globe, according to police.

Police said investigators determined that threats to Vernon and Ellington schools, the Ellington Historical Society, places of worship in Vernon, Manchester and South Windsor, a library in Easton, and the Connecticut State Library were all connected and deemed noncredible.

According to police, the teen is also part of a violent online group known as “764” that targets children on messaging and gaming platforms, like Roblox and Discord, to extort them into recording or livestreaming acts of self-harm, producing child sex abuse material, harming animals, murder or other violent acts.

Police said that these groups use threats, blackmail and manipulation to control the victims into recording or livestreaming these acts and the footage is then circulated to members to extort victims further and exert control over them.

They said the group also uses the tactics of “swatting” and “doxing” the victims as a means of extortion.

The 17-year-old, whose name was not released by police, was arrested after a yearlong investigation and has been charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit threatening (public school), first-degree conspiracy to commit falsely reporting an incident (bomb threat), and second-degree conspiracy to commit breach of peace. The case was referred to the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters-Rockville.

“We are encouraging parents look what their kids are doing on their phones, on social media, on their computers and be vigilant, be aware,” Vernon Lt. Robert Marra said.

They also want to make parents aware of warning signs of self-harm or suicide, including sudden behavior changes such as becoming withdrawn, moody, or irritable; sudden changes in appearance, especially neglect of appearance; changes in eating or sleeping habits; dropping out of activities and becoming more isolated and withdrawn; scars, often in patterns; fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, burns or other wounds; carvings, such as words or symbols on the skin; wearing long sleeves or pants in hot weather.

Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to call Vernon Det. Thomas Van Tasel at 860-872-9126, extension 3767 or email tvantasel@vernon-ct.gov .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.