Quick Read
- Two Fairfield, CT schools closed on February 20, 2026, due to an armed home invasion.
- McKinley Elementary School and Fairfield Warde High School were impacted.
- Police arrested four suspects and lifted a shelter-in-place order by mid-morning.
- The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near Candlewood Road and Black Rock Turnpike.
- No physical injuries were reported among residents or officers during the incident.
FAIRFIELD (Azat TV) – Two schools in Fairfield, Connecticut, closed temporarily on February 20, 2026, after an armed home invasion prompted a police manhunt and a shelter-in-place order in the Candlewood Road area. Authorities swiftly apprehended four suspects involved in the incident, leading to the lifting of the shelter order and the resumption of normal activities, though the closures highlighted immediate community safety concerns.
The incident began around 2:30 a.m. ET when Fairfield police were called to a home near Candlewood Road and Black Rock Turnpike. An armed robbery and home invasion attempt had occurred, triggering a multi-hour law enforcement response. Out of an abundance of caution, McKinley Elementary School and Fairfield Warde High School, including EEC Warde, were closed for the day. These closures were a direct precautionary measure linked to the active search for suspects, as confirmed by district officials and police reports from WFSB and CBS News.
Police Swiftly Apprehend Home Invasion Suspects
Police initiated a comprehensive search operation following the early morning call, which included door-to-door checks in the surrounding neighborhood and extended into nearby Hamden. The response involved a SWAT team, surprising many long-time residents. Bruce Stern, a resident living a few houses from the incident, reported hearing police radios and seeing numerous patrol cars in the street. Maggie Salomon, another resident, stated she remained locked down until authorities confirmed it was safe to leave her home, according to CBS News.
Law enforcement officials quickly took one person into custody, and by mid-morning, all four individuals believed to be involved in the break-in were apprehended. Fairfield police confirmed that all suspects were in custody and that the shelter-in-place order, which had been issued for the Candlewood Road area, was lifted around 9 a.m. ET. Following the arrests, police stated there was no ongoing threat to the public, and roads were reopened. While residents of the home were shaken, no physical injuries were reported among the victims or officers, as detailed by Meyka and Filmogaz.
Fairfield Schools Closed Amidst Manhunt
The decision to close McKinley Elementary School and Fairfield Warde High School was made by Fairfield Public Schools leadership to prioritize student and staff safety during the active police incident. While these two campuses were directly impacted due to their proximity to the search area, all other schools in the Fairfield district operated as scheduled. Police also increased their presence at other local schools to reassure parents and the community. The rapid communication from police and school leaders through official channels helped reduce confusion and keep families informed throughout the morning.
As the immediate threat subsided, the focus shifted from emergency response to investigation and community reassurance. Detectives continue to collect evidence at the residence, which showed signs of the incident, including shattered windows and bright orange residue, as reported by WFSB. Authorities emphasized that the incident was isolated, and the swift action of law enforcement ensured public safety. Continued patrols are expected in the neighborhood to support the ongoing investigation and restore confidence among residents.
Community Reacts to Fairfield Incident and School Safety
The incident underscored the importance of robust emergency communication systems and school safety protocols. For residents, the event prompted a review of personal home security measures, with some industry observers noting a potential short-term increase in inquiries for monitored alarms and cameras. Municipal and school leaders may also reassess access control, visitor management, and emergency notification tools in light of such localized events, ensuring preparedness for unforeseen disruptions.
The swift resolution of the Fairfield home invasion and the prompt, albeit temporary, closure of schools highlight the critical role of coordinated emergency responses in safeguarding communities and their educational institutions.