News
Police probe school knife incident
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
A Benson High School senior had to be physically restrained last week after allegedly throwing a knife at another student during a culinary arts class.
School administrators said while the incident remains under investigation, they do know that while a substitute teacher was in the class, two students began to argue, and the female student became angry. She allegedly hit the male student and spit in his face, then threw a serrated steak knife from one of the kitchen work stations toward him. The knife did not hit the student, sticking into the floor in front of him.
The substitute ran for help to the office of Principal Bryan Bullington and Dean of Students James Driggers.
Bullington escorted the student out of the classroom. At that point, Superintendent David Woodall said she began to argue with Bullington and was trying to go back into the classroom to get her things.
Bullington refused to let her back into the classroom, and again, the student lost her temper.
Woodall said Bullington continued to stand in front of the student, telling her to get back into the office. However, she became aggressive, and after elbowing Bullington, the principal was forced to hold the student down until Student Resource Officer Gary Douglas could take her into custody.
Administrators did not release the student's name and did not disclose what the two students were fighting about.
"The school is completing the investigation and strong disciplinary action will be taken. Obviously we do not condone this type of conduct," Bullington said.
Woodall called the incident unfortunate, noting that the school has been working with the student.
"We are looking into the matter and certainly don't want anything like this to happen again," Woodall said. "
Benson Police Chief Paul Moncada said Monday charges have not been filed pending completion of the police report.
A Benson High School senior had to be physically restrained last week after allegedly throwing a knife at another student during a culinary arts class.
School administrators said while the incident remains under investigation, they do know that while a substitute teacher was in the class, two students began to argue, and the female student became angry. She allegedly hit the male student and spit in his face, then threw a serrated steak knife from one of the kitchen work stations toward him. The knife did not hit the student, sticking into the floor in front of him.
The substitute ran for help to the office of Principal Bryan Bullington and Dean of Students James Driggers.
Bullington escorted the student out of the classroom. At that point, Superintendent David Woodall said she began to argue with Bullington and was trying to go back into the classroom to get her things.
Bullington refused to let her back into the classroom, and again, the student lost her temper.
Woodall said Bullington continued to stand in front of the student, telling her to get back into the office. However, she became aggressive, and after elbowing Bullington, the principal was forced to hold the student down until Student Resource Officer Gary Douglas could take her into custody.
Administrators did not release the student's name and did not disclose what the two students were fighting about.
"The school is completing the investigation and strong disciplinary action will be taken. Obviously we do not condone this type of conduct," Bullington said.
Woodall called the incident unfortunate, noting that the school has been working with the student.
"We are looking into the matter and certainly don't want anything like this to happen again," Woodall said. "
Benson Police Chief Paul Moncada said Monday charges have not been filed pending completion of the police report.
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