A 12-year-old girl has been arrested and charged in a case of so-called “relentless bullying.” So let’s start with a couple details:

 “Last month the parents of a 13-year-old girl told police that the 12-year-old girl was taunting, bullying and harassing their daughter.” (Via WTIC)

“Police say they became concerned when the victim made comments about committing suicide.” (Via News 12 Connecticut)

Now, to protect all involved police haven’t released any names and haven’t even identified that private middle school, but we do know this is in Stamford, Connecticut. Still — arresting a 12-year-old for bullying?? A Stamford police lieutenant told WTNH why officials felt they had to get involved.

“According to investigators, the victim was taunted, harassed and pushed.”

LT: “She really couldn’t learn in that environment. ... If it’s getting up to the level of the school can’t handle it, that’s when we gotta get involved.”

WFSB gathered local reaction to the arrest and found residents were mixed.

WOMAN: “The school could have handled it. The girl could have got expelled or things like that. But to arrest her?”

MAN: “I think it’s important that the police take action in this type of case.”

Now, one possible explanation for Connecticut officials’ sensitivity, the suicide in late August of a Greenwich teen whose family said had endured years of bullying. Bart Palosz’s sister told reporters the school hadn’t done enough to help him. (Via CNN)

So when this 13-year-old alleged victim reportedly told her parents she was contemplating suicide, they called police.

In a statement Stamford police said, “We investigate all claims of bullying, and this type of behavior will not be condoned in a learning environment.” (Via Connecticut Post)

The 12-year-old, who was charged with disorderly conduct was released to her parents’ custody after the arrest. 

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