A Fairfield man is in custody after police say he threatened to take children hostage from a local elementary school.
44-year-old Joseph Russo is charged with threatening in the first degree and threatening acts of terrorism. On October 27, police responded to 80 Post Road where they met with Russo. Russo allegedly admitted to having thoughts of taking hostages from Roger Sherman Elementary School. Police say, he indicated he would act on those thoughts at some point.
“He indicated that he has a desire and he’s thought about it for quite some time,” Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara said.
Russo was committed to St. Vincent’s Hospital for evaluation. Police contacted the school and started an investigation.
“We conducted an investigation and determined through that investigation, he has made those comments before, he was going to hurt people, hurt children,” MacNamara said.
Based on Russo’s previous comments, and a specific threat to public safety, MacNamara said police arrested him Tuesday morning. He is in protective custody, being held on $75,000 bond.