A Fairfield middle-school student has been arrested for allegedly making a social media threat that prompted an investigation and increased police presence at an event, according to Fairfield police.
Police said the arrest stemmed from Sept. 13 when Fairfield Public Schools alerted “portions of the school community of a potential school activity at SeptemberFest at Our Lady Of The Assumption Church.”
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“The school district reported that a group of students might be planning to meet at the event with the intent to engage in a physical altercation, based on information discovered through social media,” police said in a statement. “While the situation did not directly involve school property, the Fairfield Police Department immediately launched a joint investigation with the school district to ensure the safety of students and the community.”
The Fairfield Police School Safety Unit, Detective Bureau and the FBI’s New Haven Field Office started an investigation of the social media post and decided that the threat was not credible and there was no immediate danger to the public, according to Fairfield police.
Out of caution, however, Fairfield police increased their presence at SeptemberFest, which was held Sept. 13-15.
By Sept. 24, the Fairfield Police School Safety Unit allegedly found evidence that the Fairfield middle school student allegedly created the post and the juvenile was arrested. No information about the juvenile was released.
“The Fairfield Police Department wants to make it clear that any threats or dangerous behavior, regardless of intent, are taken very seriously,” Fairfield police stated.
“Such actions are not only illegal but also disrupt the safety and well-being of the entire community. Anyone found responsible or complicit in these activities—whether by creating, sharing, reposting, or otherwise perpetuating threats of violence—will be held accountable by both law enforcement and the school district,” police said in the statement. “It is important to recognize that even those who do not initiate these threats but choose to participate in spreading or amplifying them can face severe consequences.”
Fairfield police said that parents or guardians should monitor their children’s social media and speak with them about the consequences of making threats. Police also ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“We understand that situations like these can cause concern, and we want to assure the public that our officers acted swiftly and thoroughly from the initial report to the conclusion of the investigation,” Fairfield Chief Robert Kalamaras said.
“We encourage students, parents, and community members to remember that any involvement in creating or perpetuating these threats can lead to arrest and disciplinary action, regardless of the original intent. Schools and public spaces must remain safe havens for our children and residents. The Fairfield Police Department will continue to utilize every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety and security of our community.”
