NHS Student Charged With Weapon Possession

On the morning of March 7, after Newtown High School administrators received information about a student possibly in possession of a weapon, they investigated, contacting police about the matter.

A folding “butterfly” knife was confiscated from student William Sherman, 17, of 43 Orchard Hill Road, police said.

Police said they charged Sherman with possession of a weapon on school grounds, which is a felony.

A butterfly knife is a martial arts-style weapon that has two handles that fold together concealing the knife blade. Police described the weapon as having a relatively small blade, less than four inches long.

Police said they released Sherman into the custody of a parent on a promise to appear March 16 in Danbury Superior Court to answer the charge.

Students charged with such offenses also are subject to school discipline.