On the morning of Wednesday, April 6, police charged a teacher at Newtown Middle School with a felony for allegedly possessing a firearm within the school building at 11 Queen Street.

Police said they charged Jason M. Adams, 46, of 90 Currituck Road with possession of a weapon on school grounds, which is a Class D felony.

In a statement, Police Chief James Viadero said, that at about 9 am, police were contacted by middle school personnel advising them that school security personnel were detaining a school teacher who was observed inside the school carrying a firearm.

Police interviewed witnesses and made a determination that Adams entered the school carrying a concealed firearm. Adams possesses a valid State of Connecticut pistol permit, police said.

Police and school administrators started an investigation and determined that Adams was in violation of state law, Chief Viadero said.

Also, school policy strictly forbids the possession of a firearm on school property, the chief added.

Police transported Adams to the police station for arrest processing.

Adams was later released on his own recognizance and is scheduled for arraignment on the charge on April 20 in Danbury Superior Court.

Chief Viadero said that police have contacted the state's licensing and permit unit and have made it aware of Adams' arrest.

Police are confident that security precautions put in place prior to the incident were instrumental in the quick and appropriate response to the event, Chief Viadero added.

The close working relationship between the school system and police is essential in resolving incidents of this nature, he said.

Chief Viadero provided a statement from the school system on the incident.

It reads, "This matter is very serious and troubling. Both the Newtown public school system and the Newtown Police Department took immediate steps to address the matter.

"The teacher was immediately detained by security personnel. The teacher has additionally been placed on administrative leave, pending an administrative investigation. Both agencies 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," it added.