Crime
57-Year-Old Monica Smith Arrested After Falsely Claiming Active Shooter at East Hampton Middle School
The threat was ultimately deemed not credible.
A false active shooter report caused a district-wide lockdown in East Hampton, Connecticut on Tuesday.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene after receiving a phone call around 1 p.m. claiming an active shooter at the East Hampton Middle School.
All four schools in the district were immediately placed on lockdown while authorities conducted a thorough search of the buildings.
The threat was ultimately deemed not credible.
Investigators believe the unidentified caller may have been experiencing mental health issues.
On Wednesday evening, 57-year-old Monica Smith of Lebanon was arrested and charged with making a false report, misuse of the 911 system, and breach of peace.
It’s important to note that there is a staff member at East Hampton schools named Monica Smith, but she is not the suspect.
The incident has had a significant impact on the school community.
The district’s superintendent met with parents to discuss the traumatic experience and address their concerns.
Dr. Javeed Sukhera, a psychiatrist at Hartford Hospital, emphasized the psychological toll that such threats can have on students, staff, and parents, especially in light of the frequent occurrence of school shootings in the United States.
Indio, CA – A 26-year-old man, identified as Lorenzo Segoviano, was shot and killed outside the Food 4 Less store in Indio on Saturday evening, according to the Indio Police Department.
Authorities responded to reports of a shooting around 5:40 p.m. at the shopping center.
Upon arrival, first responders located Segoviano suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that an altercation occurred inside the store between Segoviano and the suspect.
The situation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical confrontation outside the store.
During the altercation, the suspect allegedly produced a firearm, prompting Segoviano to attempt to flee.
As Segoviano was running away, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking him.
Segoviano collapsed shortly after and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect fleeing southeast from the location.
Indio police officers quickly responded and detained a 19-year-old male suspect within the shopping center vicinity.
He was subsequently booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on charges of murder.
The suspect is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday and is currently held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on $1 million bail.
The investigation remains active. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through local crime stoppers channels.