Newtown teacher arrested for bringing gun to school

NEWTOWN, Conn., April 6 (UPI) -- A middle school teacher was arrested Wednesday for carrying a concealed firearm in Newtown, Conn., where 26 children and teachers were killed in a 2012 elementary school shooting.

Jason M. Adams, 46, was held by school security after being spotted carrying a gun at Newtown Middle School, where he teaches science. Although Adams had a state pistol permit, police charged him with illegal weapons possession on school grounds, Newtown Police said.

Adams was released without bond and is expected to appear in court April 20, police said.

The school system called the incident "very serious and troubling" and said Adam has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by school officials.

"Both [police and the school system] have been working closely together to investigate the incident and are taking precautions to ensure the continued safety of our students, staff and community members," the school system added.

The police chief said the state's licensing and permit unit have been made aware of Adams' arrest.

"We are dismayed that this could happen in a school, especially one in a community as traumatized as Newtown," said victim's parents group Sandy Hook Promise in a statement. "We commend the Newtown Police Department and Newtown Public Schools for their thoughtful handling of the arrest of science teacher Jason Adams for violating the law by bringing a weapon onto school grounds."

Gun right's group Connecticut Citizen's Defense League took issue with the arrest.

"We disagree with the law as far as permit holders not being able to carry on school grounds," said president Scott Wilson. "However, the law is the law and hopefully this person had the intent to protect students from harm's way in a worst-case scenario."