Newtown Teacher Arrested, Caught in Possession of Gun at Middle School

On Wednesday, April 6, 2016 a Newtown eighth grade science teacher Jason Adams, 46, was arrested for bringing a gun to Newtown Middle School.

 

Report by Paula Antolini
April 6, 2016 5:32PM EDT

 

Newtown Teacher Arrested, Caught in Possession of Gun at Middle School

On Wednesday, April 6, 2016 a Newtown eighth grade science teacher Jason Adams, 46, was arrested for bringing a gun to Newtown Middle School.

Officials said that before classes began an employee of Newtown Middle School noticed a gun that was concealed under the clothing of Adams and reported it to school security.  Police were contacted and Adams was detained until police arrived.

Police Chief James Viadero said that Jason Adams does have a has a valid pistol permit, however, Connecticut state law prohibits possession of firearms on school grounds.

Adams was arrested by Newtown Police and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds, and was then released.  He is to appear in appear in state Superior Court in Danbury, CT on April 20.

The matter is now being investigated Adams was placed on administrative leave.

Students were never in any danger and the pistol was not drawn or used at any point, officials said.

In a statement released by Superintendent of Schools Joseph Erardi said “This matter is very serious and troubling.”  He said both the Newtown Public School system and the Newtown Police Department immediately addressed the matter. “Both agencies have been working closely together to investigate the incident and are taking precautions to ensure the continued safety of our students, staff and community members …. school principals are working closely with mental health service providers in the schools to help anyone in need of support.”

Newtown Middle School is located at 11 Queens Street, Newtown, CT, and is less than two miles from the site of Sandy Hook Elementary School, where in 2012, 20 children and six adults were killed by Adam Lanza.

Bethel Advocate saw numerous media personnel with video cameras lined up across from the Newton Middle School at about 5:00 p.m. tonight, including an NBC media van.

There is going to be a community forum to answer public question on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., said Erardi.

 

###