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Understanding a Six Year old school Shooter; it’s tough

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

Police are struggling to put together details after a six-year-old became the latest school shooter in the United States. The shocking incident happened in Virginia on Friday, January 6th,

where a teacher was injured when the child brought a gun into her classroom.

At first, only the barest information was shared with the public, only that there was an active shooter and one person had been injured and then this update from the Newport News Police Department via Twitter sent shockwaves across the country.

“The suspect has been identified as a 6-year-old male student. The student is in custody,” police said.

In a news conference after the fact, they also made it clear the young child’s actions were premeditated. “This occurred in a classroom, it was isolated. This was not a situation where we had a student going up and down the halls actively firing. The only thing I can tell you is that there was an altercation between the 6-year-old who had a firearm and the teacher and a round was fired- this was not an accidental shooting,”  NNPD Police Chief, Steve Drew revealed.

Local news agencies are reporting that the teacher is being lauded for still looking out for the safety of her students; even as she lay on the ground bleeding she instructed her other students to run to safety. Parents, teachers and the community at large were in a state of shock over the weekend as the details of the incident were revealed. Police say they are working to get the child help.

Questions regarding where a six-year-old, a child unlikely to be allowed to even cross the street on his own, got the gun. Any charges to be laid against the boy are still murky but his parents are under investigation. The shooting follows two mass shootings in the state in November alone.

That questions was answered a day later however, when the world learned the child used his mother’s firearm to shoot his teacher during lesson time.

It has been confirmed by police that the six year old who shot his teacher on Friday used his mother’s legal gun, a 9 millimeter Taurus firearm.

The young child somehow got access to the gun and placed it in his school bag.

New information has also been shared regarding the teacher.

Only 25-years-old Abigail Zwerner, a graduate of James Madison University, was in charge of teaching sweet-cheeked 5 and 6 year olds until last Friday when one of them shot her.

Newport News Police Department gave an update to the public on Monday via Facebook explaining that the shooting happened at the student’s desk.

“Ms. Zwerner was providing classroom instruction and the 6-year-old child displayed a firearm, pointed it at her and fired one round.”

Local news reports indicate that she tried to confiscate the gun and that was when she was shot. The bullet went through her hand and into her abdomen.

Police Chief Steve Drew again made it clear that based on Zwerner’s testimony the shooting was intentional not the cause of a struggle.

“There was no physical struggle or fight. She was providing instruction to the class. There was one round fired. Abigail took a defensive position where she raised her hand. The round went through her hand, exited the rear of her hand and went into her upper chest– she leaned back and took that round.” he reiterated during his speech “This shooting was not accidental.”

Police say she herded her students out of the classroom, making sure they were safe before leaving herself, still upright.

“Ms. Zwerner was the last person to leave that class. She made a right turn and started down the hallway and then she stopped and turned around to make sure that every one of her students was safe.” Drew explained.

The teacher then bleeding profusely from the chest walked to the administrative office where she was given first aid. Drew repeatedly referred to her as a hero, who when he visited with her repeatedly asked after her students and how they were doing.

Drew repeatedly described the situation as unprecedented and maintained they were calling in mental and behavioural experts to consult on the case. Based on those consultations the child was evaluated and is currently in state custody receiving treatment.

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Crime

TCI Police Report a Rape Conviction, Handfield registered as SEX OFFENDER

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Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force acknowledges the sentencing of convicted rapist ELVETHAN “ALVIN” HANDFIELD to life imprisonment following his guilty plea. Handfield was charged with the following offences: Two Counts of RAPE and Two Counts of USING AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON TO CAUSE FEAR.

The Supreme Court delivered the ruling yesterday (February 6), with Handfield, 47, of Glass Shack, Providenciales, being ineligible for parole until he has served 16 years. Should parole be granted, he will be registered as a sex offender for life.

Acting Superintendent Grantley Williams, Head of Serious Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection, stated: “Following an extensive investigation by our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Handfield was charged after a report made by a female victim on April 20, 2024. The victim, after entering a jitney driven by Handfield on April 19, 2024, was taken to his residence in Glass Shack, where she was subjected to sexual assault before being released the following day.

“This heinous act of violence, where Handfield posed as a jitney driver, lured, and assaulted the victim while threatening harm, is despicable. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward, demonstrating immense courage in ensuring that this predator is brought to justice.

We recognize this is a difficult journey, and our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit officers remain available to support the healing process.

We take this opportunity to urge any victims of sexual violence to come forward. Your reports are vital in removing dangerous offenders from our streets and ensuring the safety of our communities. Our commitment to justice remains unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect and safeguard the communities.”

If you have been a victim or know anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, please get in touch with the police without delay at the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696 or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at -338-4013.

All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

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Crime

Officer Injured, Possible Suspect Rams Police Vehicle

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Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – At approximately 12:09 AM on Sunday (February 2), a team of officers patrolling Kew Town, Providenciales, observed a black Nissan Note travelling without headlights.

Officers activated their flashing lights, causing the vehicle to slow down. However, as they exited their vehicle, the Nissan Note suddenly accelerated, colliding with the police jeep and injuring an officer. As officers attempted to return to their vehicle, they heard loud explosions similar to gunfire coming from the Nissan Note. They returned fire.

Despite his injuries, the wounded officer, along with his colleagues, pursued the fleeing vehicle in a high-speed chase that concluded on Bay Road, Blue Hills.

Upon stopping, two male suspects exited the vehicle. One suspect, armed with a handgun, pointed it toward the officers while attempting to flee with his accomplice, prompting an officer to take evasive action and fire in the direction of the gunman.

The suspects managed to evade capture. The injured officer was transported for urgent medical treatment and remains stable.

Acting Commissioner Fitz Bailey stated, “I unequivocally condemn the brazen and cowardly attack on our police officers who were simply doing their duty. This violent act is not just an attack on the RT&CIPF in the lawful execution of their; it is an attack on the safety, security, and order of our communities. Our officers put their lives on the line daily, stepping into dangerous and unpredictable situations to uphold the law and protect our people. This is a high-risk job, yet these brave men and women continue to serve with unwavering dedication.

“Let this be a clear message: The RT&CIPF will not allow criminals to believe they can act with impunity. We will continue to stand firm against those who threaten the peace and security of our islands. I implore my officers to remain firm and decisive when confronted by these vicious elements in society whilst ensuring that their actions are always within the framework of the law.

“I also call on the public to recognize the sacrifices officers make every day. The risks they take are real, and they do so to keep our communities safe. Support your officers and cooperate with them”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide anonymous tips. Individuals can also use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information securely and confidentially.

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Crime

Guilty Plea from Dock Yard Man arrested for Firearm, Ammo

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Turks and Caicos, February 7, 2025 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male pleaded guilty to four charges today (January 31) following a
robbery which occurred in 2024. JAMES SIMON is expected to be sentenced on April 03rd, 2025, having been convicted for the following offences:

  • One Count Possession of Firearm
  •  One Count Possession of Ammunition
  • One Count Robbery
  • One Count using a Firearm in the Commission of a Serious Offence

Based on the evidence presented before the court, Mr. Simon was arrested on May 02, 2024, along South Dock Road, where he was found with an illegal firearm.

Acting Superintendent in charge of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Grantley Williams said, “Given the prevalence of firearm-related incidents, the Force has successfully removed one more illegal firearm from our streets. I applaud my officers for their vigilance and
dedication to their duty. I urge the public to assist us by reporting illegal firearms—if you have any information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or you can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app. Together, we can make the Turks and Caicos Islands safer.”

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