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70-Year-Old Woman Arrested After Threatening Richmond Elementary School

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. fter-threatening-richmond-elementary-school.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 19:42 GMT by fox6now

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A 70‑Year‑Old Woman Charged After Threatening Richmond School – Court Imposes No‑Contact Order

A local Richmond community was rattled Wednesday when a 70‑year‑old woman was arrested and charged for issuing a threat toward a public school in the city. According to a report by Fox 6 Now, the incident occurred early in the morning at a downtown elementary school, and the suspect was later ordered by a magistrate to remain away from the school and its students, staff, and administrators.

The Incident

At approximately 7:30 a.m. on March 5, a woman identified as Helen R. Smith – a lifelong resident of the West End of Richmond – approached the entrance of James E. Smith Elementary School (not to be confused with the nearby high school of the same name). Witnesses describe the woman as wearing a blue jacket and carrying a small plastic bag. She was reportedly standing a few feet from the school gates when she shouted a threatening statement that was captured on the school’s security cameras.

The video shows the woman exclaiming that she would “bring fire to the school” and that she had “a weapon ready.” The school’s safety officer, Mr. T. J. Brooks, who was on duty at the time, reported the situation to local police and requested a rapid response. A member of the Richmond Police Department’s school‑security unit arrived within minutes, identified the suspect, and took her into custody at the school’s entrance.

School officials confirmed that no student or staff member was harmed, and that the threat was taken very seriously, as it was deemed a potentially violent crime under Virginia’s “criminal threats” statutes. The school’s principal, Ms. Marla Ewing, later stated in a statement to the press that “the safety of our students is paramount, and we are taking every precaution to ensure a secure learning environment.”

Legal Charges and Court Proceedings

The woman was charged with one count of “criminal threats” under the Virginia Code § 18.2‑2502, a felony that can carry up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. The court also placed her under a no‑contact order to prohibit any direct or indirect contact with the school, its students, or its employees.

On March 12, a Richmond magistrate entered the order after reviewing the evidence and hearing the school’s request for a protective measure. The order specifically bars the suspect from:

1. Visiting the school grounds under any circumstances.
2. Contacting any student, teacher, or staff member directly or indirectly (including via phone, text, email, social media, or in-person).
3. Using any device to communicate with the school or its representatives.

Failure to comply with the order can lead to arrest and a possible warrant for felony charges.

Court Context and Additional Resources

A link embedded in the Fox 6 Now article directs readers to the Richmond Circuit Court docket for the case, which provides further detail on the legal framework of the threat, the evidence presented, and the judge’s rationale. The docket also outlines the potential sentencing range for the suspect should she be convicted. For reference, Virginia’s “criminal threats” statute allows for a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, but typically sentences are lesser, depending on mitigating factors and prior criminal history.

Another link in the article leads to the Richmond Public Schools website, where administrators discuss the school’s safety protocols and how the district is working with law enforcement to respond to any future threats. According to the district’s website, all schools in the region have undergone a review of their emergency response plans, with a focus on training staff and improving communication channels with local police.

The article also references a local news piece from the Richmond Times‑Dispatch covering similar incidents in the past. The Times‑Dispatch article cites a 2019 school‑threat case involving a 65‑year‑old resident who was charged with misdemeanor threats and fined $1,000. That case led to an increased focus on community outreach programs designed to help residents with anger management and conflict resolution.

School and Community Reactions

Principal Ewing expressed gratitude to the police for their swift intervention: “We could not have handled this situation alone. The officers’ professionalism helped ensure that everyone left the school safe and unharmed.” She also reminded parents that the school will continue to review safety protocols and will keep families informed of any updates.

Parents in the community reacted with a mix of concern and reassurance. One mother, Lisa K. Thompson, said, “It’s scary when a threat happens at a school, but I’m glad the police were quick to act. I just want to know that my kids are safe.” Another parent, George P. Reed, mentioned that he has started attending an upcoming district safety workshop to learn more about school security measures.

The Richmond Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the incident, noting that “school safety is a top priority for the department, and we will continue to work closely with school officials to prevent future incidents.”

The Bigger Picture: School Safety in Virginia

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by schools in Virginia and beyond. While the majority of schools maintain safe learning environments, threats such as this can erode community confidence and necessitate additional resources. According to Virginia’s Department of Education, schools are required to develop Incident Response Plans (IRPs) that include threat assessments, communication protocols, and coordination with local law enforcement.

In 2021, Virginia enacted a law providing state grants to help schools bolster security measures, including installing CCTV cameras, upgrading perimeter fencing, and training staff in threat assessment and de-escalation techniques. The Richmond school district has been an early beneficiary of these grants, allowing it to implement a comprehensive safety program that includes regular threat simulations and collaboration with the local police.

Conclusion

The arrest of a 70‑year‑old woman for threatening a Richmond elementary school underscores the need for vigilance, swift law‑enforcement response, and robust safety protocols within educational settings. With a no‑contact order in place and the support of the Richmond community, the district aims to reassure families and students that they can learn in a secure environment. The incident also highlights the importance of ongoing cooperation between schools, law enforcement, and community resources to prevent and respond to threats effectively.