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
2 men killed in shooting during repast at Brighton Community Center in Jefferson County
Officials also noted that a repast was taking place at the Brighton Community Center at the time of the incident.
BRIGHTON, Ala. — Two men were fatally shot Friday afternoon near the Brighton Community Center, prompting an active investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene at 3810 7th Avenue in Brighton shortly after 2:00 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics from the Brighton Fire Department responded and pronounced both victims deceased at the scene.
One of the victims has been identified as D’Angelo La’Marcus Samuel. The identity of the second victim has not yet been released.
Crime scene tape was seen surrounding the area near Letson Street and Edwards Street, with a significant law enforcement presence, including vehicles from the Bessemer Police Department.
Investigators confirmed that the two men are not believed to have shot one another.
Officials also noted that a repast was taking place at the Brighton Community Center at the time of the incident.
However, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether the shooting was directly related to the gathering.
At this time, no suspects are in custody, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigators are actively pursuing leads, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.