Crime
Man arrested over 40 times accused of violent threat by way of a firearm against school staff, threatening police personnel
A man well-known to law enforcement has been arrested after a concerning incident at a school.
According to police, “earlier this morning, Cumberland Police Officers responded to BF Norton Elementary School, 364 Broad Street, for a report of a threats complaint.
“Responding officers learned that a man, later identified as 35-year-old Frank Blazejewski, made a violent threat by way of a firearm towards one of the school staff members during student drop-off. Several parents and witnesses heard the statement and immediately reported it to the police. Blazejewski was immediately taken into custody and will be charged with assault and disorderly conduct. Blazejewski was also later charged with threatening a public official for additional violent threats made to Cumberland Police personnel while back at headquarters.
“It should be noted, Blazejewski does not have a child who attends the school, and it is believed that he was just passing by when he threatened the staff member. Additionally, it is not believed that he knew the individual before threatening the individual this morning. This is the 17th time Blazejewski has been arrested by the Cumberland Police Department, among the more than 40 arrests he’s had in the State of Rhode Island since 2007.
Cumberland Police Chief Matthew Benson stated, “Mr. Blazejewski is well known to the Cumberland Police Department, and his behavior this morning cannot, and will not, be tolerated. We will certainly not stand by idly and be dismissive of the potential, especially given everything going on in our nation and in schools.”
Cumberland Superintendent Dr. Philip Thornton released the following statement:
“At approx 8:25 AM, an individual confronted a staff member from BF Norton Elementary School as she was greeting students on the sidewalk in front of the school.
This individual made violent threats to the staff member in the presence of the crossing guard and parents.
The threat consisted of going to retrieve a gun and returning to shoot the staff member. The police have confirmed that this individual was not carrying a weapon at the time of the threat.
Upon receipt of the threat, the staff acted quickly, contacting the principal and Cumberland police.
The police acted quickly to apprehend the individual, and the district is filing charges.
School Safety is always our top priority, and the staff should be commended for their quick and appropriate action.”
Blazejewski will be presented later today for arraignment at 6th District Court in Providence.
