Entertainment Report
N.C. teacher allegedly threatened to shoot up school, Florida teacher allegedly brought Glock to class
A teacher was charged for threatening to “shoot up” an elementary school in Hillsborough, North Carolina, police said Tuesday.
Kristen Thompson, 38, is facing a felony count of communicating a threat of mass violence after other teachers told police she had made threats against Pathways Elementary School, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Thompson, who resigned Friday, allegedly told three of her fellow teachers that she’d signal them with a message to get out of the school, according to NBC-affiliate WRAL. The message that she was about to start shooting was allegedly, “the squash is ripe.”
The sheriff’s department made note that the issue was also a personnel issue and that school administrators are “strictly forbidden by law” from sharing information.
“A threat of school violence is understandably unsettling for the community,” Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a press release. “Please know that the school and law enforcement are working together as a team to ensure the last few weeks of the school year are safe and productive for our students.”
Thompson was arrested Tuesday by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and released on a $1,000 secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on June 14.
In a separate incident involving teachers and guns, Betty Soto, a fourth grade teacher at Starkey Elementary School in Seminole, Florida, was arrested by Pinellas County Schools Police this week for allegedly bringing weapons to school.
Authorities allegedly found a Glock 9mm handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, a six-inch fighting knife and a two-inch finger knife in her backpack on Monday. She brought the weapons to school while students were still in class, according to two arrest affidavits.
Soto, 49, was arrested on two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and released on bond Monday night. An attorney for Soto entered a written plea of not guilty, according to county records.
An NBC affiliate reporter asked Soto as she was leaving Monday night why she brought the alleged weapons to school. Soto told the WFLA reporter, “Ask your governor.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill earlier this month that wouldallow teachers to carry firearms on school grounds in an expansion of the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, signed after the 2018 Parkland school shooting.
Soto’s weapons were legally purchased and she had a concealed carry permit, WFLA reported.
Pinellas County schools, however, have opted out of the Guardian program and prohibited all weapons on campus, according to WFLA.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 23, 2019
Latest Instagram Posts
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Cael Woody with the dot under pressure, 2) Tatum Webster with the pass breakup, 3) Ivan Garza with the rushing TD, 4) Sean Meza with the toe tap, or 5) Jesus. Valenzuela with the strong hands #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
Me On A Plate is back! We head over to @tacquila_ps to talk to chef David Arreguin about his love of spice, being the seventh of nine children, and his drive to always follow his passion. Check it out now on our website nbcpalmsprings.com
Nearly a year after wildfires tore through Mountain Center, the scars are still visible along the Palms to Pines Highway. Now, fire crews are working to repair those burn areas and reduce the risk of flooding, erosion and mudslides when heavy rain arrives. The work includes fire-line suppression repairs, water bars and other measures designed to slow rainwater and keep burned soil from washing away. CAL FIRE Riverside County Battalion Chief Ryan Lubin says the steep terrain, dry brush and limited access continue to create challenges for mountain communities. With El Niño conditions expected to bring periods of heavy rain, officials say preparing now could help protect homes and communities from the aftermath of wildfire. The message from firefighters: preparation can save lives. Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #MountainCenter #Highway74 #PalmsToPines #CALFIRE #Wildfire WildfireRecovery FireSafety CoachellaValley SanJacintoMountains
Gas prices in Riverside County are climbing toward $6 a gallon — and that’s more than $1 higher than this time last year. A 15-gallon fill-up now costs about $86, leaving many drivers wondering how much longer they can absorb the rising cost. On this week’s Roggin Report, Fred Roggin and the panel debate how expensive gas is changing the way people travel, work and live — and why prices are so much higher here. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #RogginReport #FredRoggin #GasPrices #RiversideCounty #CoachellaValley