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.
Crime
47-year-old Christopher Waggett shot and killed during domestic incident in Butler
Williams now faces one count of criminal homicide, with bail set at $2 million.
A man is in custody after a fatal shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, stemming from a dispute on Tuesday night.
According to Butler City Police, the incident involved a confrontation between Sean Williams, 37, and Christopher Waggett, 47, both local residents.
The events unfolded during a gathering at a residence in the 200 block of American Avenue.
Witnesses reported that tensions escalated when a comment upset the mother of Williams’ girlfriend, prompting Waggett to intervene and restrain her.
This led to a physical altercation between Waggett and Williams. During the struggle, Waggett either struck a bottle over Williams’ head or knocked it out of his hand, according to witness statements.
Williams reportedly responded by drawing a firearm and shooting Waggett in the upper body.
Emergency crews quickly arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but Waggett ultimately succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Following the shooting, Williams fled and attempted to hide near his residence on West New Castle Street but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
He was taken into custody and transported to Butler County Prison.
Williams now faces one count of criminal homicide, with bail set at $2 million.