Police presence increased at Ansonia High School Friday after off-campus incident Wednesday night

Safety concerns are top of mind for many parents, schools and students following Wednesday’s school shooting in Georgia.

Police presence was increased on the Ansonia High School campus on Friday.

Ansonia Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph DiBacco said the extra patrols were done as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff while they learn.

In a statement released Thursday evening, DiBacco said the precautions taken Friday were due to an incident that occurred Wednesday evening.

According to Ansonia police, the incident they are investigating is possession of a weapon.

However, in a statement released Friday, police made it clear that this did not happen on the Ansonia High School campus or any other Ansonia school.

Investigators said the incident happened off campus Wednesday night, Sept. 4, but was reported to Ansonia High School administration on Thursday, Sept. 5.

The administration immediately contacted the police, according to a department spokesman.

DiBacco also made it clear that the precautions were not taken because of a rumor circulating online that a gun was found on the Ansonia Middle campus. Ansonia police have also expressed concern about false information circulating online.

In a statement released Friday, an Ansonia police spokesperson noted “incorrect social media and online posts” regarding their investigation. The statement continued: “Based on the investigation, it appears that rumors and innuendos were mistaken for fact and posted on social media.”

Parents and guardians visited the school on Friday to see the extra security measures and some were surprised.

“I see police on both sides of the school,” said Sherry Farrell, who was dropping off her granddaughter. “It’s different than normal. That’s why I’m sitting here a little longer.”

Many parents who visited were understandably concerned after two Connecticut schools were closed Thursday.

“I’m a little nervous about sending my granddaughter to school. I want her to be safe,” Farrell said.

Ronald Severino said he spoke with his grandson about it before dropping him off.

“We were worried. It’s a good idea for today,” Severino explained.

DiBacco said the extra security was a precautionary measure to ensure students and staff are safe while they learn.

“They should probably have one on every door. You know, front, back,” Severino said.

Regardless, some parents said the extra security and law enforcement presence was a welcome change for the day following the tragedy in Georgia and closures at other Connecticut high schools.

“It’s terrible what the world is facing. It’s very sad and very scary,” Farrell added.