A quiet Fairfield neighborhood woke up to flashing lights and police tape early Thursday after an armed robbery and possible home invasion triggered a shelter-in-place order on Candlewood Road and shut down several nearby schools. Residents were told to stay inside while officers blocked a stretch of Candlewood Road near Black Rock Turnpike and worked the scene into the morning.
Schools closed out of an abundance of caution
McKinley School, ECC Warde and Fairfield Warde High School were closed for the day "out of an abundance of caution," and staff assigned to those buildings were told not to report, according to News 12. District officials said all other Fairfield schools would follow a typical schedule, while custodial crews at the closed buildings were instructed to wait for further directions.
Police response and arrests
Fairfield police say they were called to Candlewood Road at about 2:30 a.m. and took at least one person into custody at the scene before making additional arrests as the investigation developed. Local TV outlets reported that all four suspected participants were ultimately arrested. According to NBC Connecticut, officers recovered evidence that at least one firearm was involved and that the suspects were dressed in masks and dark clothing, but there were no reports of anyone being hurt.
Road closures and scene details
Fairfield police and Connecticut State Police shut down Candlewood Road in both directions at Tunxis Hill and Black Rock Turnpike while they searched nearby houses, according to CT Insider. For a time, that activity stretched out to several buildings along Black Rock Turnpike, including a bank and a medical office. Neighbors reported a heavy police presence and SWAT vehicles as officers methodically cleared properties in the area.
What residents need to know
Officials urged drivers to steer clear of Candlewood Road and reminded residents to follow officers' instructions while the case remains under investigation. Authorities said they would post updates on their social media channels as new information comes in. School leaders emphasized that student safety remains the top priority and asked staff to wait for additional guidance, according to coverage from WFSB.
