Police: 3 Students Charged After Displaying 'Pellet-Style Firearm'

[Updated at 5:44 p.m.]

Three Simsbury High School students have been charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds after they were taken into custody Thursday afternoon, according to police.

Tanner Nascimbeni, 18, and Hannah Bolden, 18 and a 17-year-old juvenile were each charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds, possession of weapons in a vehicle, and breach of peace 2nd degree following an incident at the school.

The students were in a vehicle in the school's parking lot following an early dismissal on Thursday with two 'pellet-style' firearms, police said in a statement.

"One of the students displayed one of the weapons in a manner that was visible to a parent," the statement said.

Capt. Nicholas Boulter said the student was not displaying the weapon in an aggressive manner, but was instead 'showing it off' to friends.

Police were notified at approximately 2:22 p.m. by school staff after a parent made the report. The students were located as they were driving away from the school on West Street near Hopmeadow Street.

The situation remains under investigation by Simsbury Police and school officials.

Original post

Three Simsbury High School students were taken into police custody after a parent reported to school officicials that students were in possession of what 'he/she believed to be a firearm.'

The students were in a vehicle following Thursday's early dismissal with two 'air soft pellet guns.'

The following is an email sent to parents of Simsbury students this afternoon:

Dear Parents/Guardians;

At dismissal time today at Simsbury High School, a parent observed students in an automobile in possession of what he/she believed to be a firearm. This parent immediately reported the observations to the main office staff, and administrators then contacted the Simsbury Police Department. With the information provided by the parent, police were able to identify the vehicle within minutes and apprehend three individuals within close proximity to the high school. While an active investigation is still underway, we can report that the individuals were in possession of air soft pellet guns. Our administrative team will work in full cooperation with the police department throughout the remainder of the investigation. At this time, we cannot provide any further details about the event or the individuals involved.

Obviously, school security issues have remained a top priority for our district. We remind everyone that the most important factor in a school safety plan is members of the community who are willing to step forward and report suspicious activity at any level. Today’s events, while troubling, have reinforced our confidence in Simsbury’s ability to keep our schools safe.

Sincerely,

Matthew T. Curtis, Superintendent