A 63-year-old Bridgeport man is accused of posing as a police officer and bringing a BB gun to the Waterville School, according to police.
Police arrested a 63-year-old Bridgeport man after he allegedly approached the Waltersville School while wearing military-style clothing, carrying a BB gun and claiming to be a police officer.
John Teso was arrested after a parent approached school staff around 3 p.m. Wednesday to report that a man with a gun was standing outside the school, according to police.
Police said that Teso was wearing military-style clothing and had what appeared to be a firearm in his waistband. The weapon was later identified as a BB gun.
School security and the principal stopped Teso before he could enter the school, police said.
Police said Teso was at the school to pick up a family member who attends the Pre-K-through-eight school.
Teso told school officials he was a police officer and produced false paperwork to support his claim, according to Bridgeport police.
Police said Teso put the weapon in his truck. Authorities later recovered the BB gun.
Meanwhile, school officials moved children from the area.
Police said officers arrived quickly.
Teso was detained, questioned and later charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, impersonating a police officer, possession of a weapon on school grounds and breach of peace.
During the incident, Teso did not make any threats or brandish the weapon, police said.
Teso was arrested at the scene without incident. His bond was set at $50,000.
“The Board of Education and police department work closely to keep our schools safe,” said Mayor Bill Finch, in a statement. “School security will continue to put the safety of our children first, as they do every day.”
Bridgeport Superintendent Paul G. Vallas praised school officials and police for their quick and effective response to the incident.
"Student safety is our greatest responsibility, and we will continue to work ot ensure that our schools remain safe and welcome environments for students and families," Vallas said.
