MANCHESTER — A teenage suspect was arrested at Verplanck Elementary School on Jan. 13 after allegedly pointing a rifle-style airsoft gun at children and staff.
Manchester Police Department officers responded to a weapons complaint around 1:18 p.m., following reports of an armed individual on the school grounds.
The male suspect, dressed in all black and carrying a duffle bag, was seen pointing the rifle at the school from the playground area.
Upon arrival, police located the 17-year-old Manchester resident, who was still holding the weapon.
He complied with officers’ commands to drop the gun and was taken into custody without further incident.
The teen indicated his intention to provoke a lethal response from law enforcement, a scenario often referred to as “suicide by cop.”
Investigation revealed that the suspect aimed the airsoft gun at 29 children and 10 adults on the premises.
Multiple charges have been filed against the juvenile, including first-degree threatening, 39 counts of reckless endangerment, 40 counts of second-degree breach of peace, possession of a weapon on school grounds, carrying a dangerous weapon, illegal use of a facsimile firearm, and 29 counts of risk of injury.
Due to the suspect’s age, his identity is being withheld.
The Manchester Police Department commended the rapid response of the officers and the Verplanck Elementary School staff’s cooperation during the event.
