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Student, 19, Charged In Greenwich High School Lockdown

Update, 6:50 p.m. GREENWICH, Conn. — A 19-year-old student has been charged with breach of peace after comments he made to others about shooting people in another state triggered a lockdown at Greenwich High School on Thursday morning, police Lt. Kraig Gray said. 

Greenwich High School was on lockdown for an hour Thursday after police say a student called 911 to report another student may have had a gun.

Greenwich High School was on lockdown for an hour Thursday after police say a student called 911 to report another student may have had a gun.

Photo Credit: Matt Zalaznick

Gianfranco Romero, 19, of Greenwich, told two other students he had a gun in his book bag and that he would shoot people in another state, Gray said. 

The students became alarmed, talked to two other students and 911 was called, he said. 

The school was locked down and police quickly located Romero and detained him at gunpoint, Gray said. 

Police determined Romero, who was cooperative, did not have a weapon, Gray said. Police also searched Romero's home with his mother's consent. 

The high school was locked down for about an hour, but classes were not canceled. 

Romero has been charged wit misdemeanor breach of peace and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on April 19. 

In a letter to parents, Superintendent William McKersie said the lockdown was stressful for many students and staff. 

"While there were no physical injuries today, students and adults have experienced a highly stressful situation," he said. "Some at the high school witnessed armed police officers following protocols in responding to the perceived threat. Students will need to process this experience and will be looking to the adults in their lives for guidance."

Update, 1:15 p.m. GREENWICH, Conn. — A 911 call reporting a student with a gun sent Greenwich High School into lockdown for about an hour Thursday morning, said Lt. Kraig Gray of the Greenwich Police Department. 

No gun was found, and no one was hurt, Gray said. 

One student was detained, and others were questioned, said Gray, adding that it was too early to say whether it was a hoax. Gray said police did not think the student who made the 911 call thought the incident was a hoax. 

After the call was placed, School Resource Officer Carlos Franco quickly identified the student who made the call and the student who was said to have a gun, Gray said.  

Classes were not canceled Thursday. The incident appeared to be isolated to the high school, but police will increase their presence at Greenwich schools over the next few days, Gray said. 

Greenwich Superintendent of Schools William McKersie released a statement at 1 p.m. assuring the public that students were safe.

"Greenwich High School went into lockdown late this morning. There was a perceived threat, which required the lockdown," he said in the statement. "Greenwich Police were on site immediately and dealt with the situation quickly. The lockdown has now been lifted. Everyone is safe; there are no injuries. We are returning the building to normal as fast as possible."

Original story

GREENWICH, Conn. -- UPDATED 1 P.M. Greenwich High School was placed on lockdown for about an hour Thursday morning, according to a robo-call received by parents.

Contrary to some reports, no gun was found on the campus, Greenwich Police Lt. Kraig Gray said. 

No one was hurt and school was not canceled, Gray added. 

The robo-call said that all students were safe and parents were being told not to go to Greenwich High School. A parent also said the call said four students were in police custody.

The lockdown was lifted at about noon.

Greenwich Superintendent of Schools William McKersie released a statement at 1 p.m. assuring the public that students were safe.

"Greenwich High School went into lockdown late this morning. There was a perceived threat, which required the lockdown," he said in the statement. "Greenwich Police were on site immediately and dealt with the situation quickly. The lockdown has now been lifted. Everyone is safe; there are no injuries. We are returning the building to normal as fast as possible."

McKersie added that Greenwich High administration,  Greenwich Police, the school resource officer and the students all handled this situation "smoothly and professionally."

Check back with The Greenwich Daily Voice as more information becomes available.

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