Teacher Arrested At Elementary School After A Gun In Her Car Prompted A Lockdown: Police

ODENTON, MD — An Anne Arundel County teacher was arrested this week after police said they found a loaded gun in her car in the school parking lot. Talk of a gun on the property prompted a school lockdown.

Officers identified the suspect as 29-year-old Charese Thompson of Glen Burnie. Thompson teaches second grade at Seven Oaks Elementary School in Odenton, Anne Arundel County Public Schools told Patch.

School officials said Thompson kept the gun in her car for self-defense and did not plan on using it at school. Authorities said Thompson never brought the gun inside the building.

Officials said it is illegal to bring a gun onto school property, regardless of the owner's intentions.

AACPS said it placed Thompson on administrative leave with pay, pending the result of the investigation.

The Lockdown

Seven Oaks Principal Kenneth Patterson said the school went on lockdown around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday as police investigated a report of a weapon on school property. School staff brought the fourth-graders, who were outside for recess, back into the building.

"At no time were students and staff in danger nor were any threats made to our school," Patterson said in a letter to families, noting that the shelter-in-place lasted nearly 90 minutes.

Officers identified the accused teacher and searched her belongings, the principal said.

Authorities said the teacher admitted to having the gun under her driver's seat.

"I sincerely recognize how troubling this information is to receive," Patterson said. "I can assure you that our school administration, staff, and the Office of School Security work closely to make insightful, practical decisions for the safety of students and staff. I am grateful for the swift action of the Police."

Teacher's Background

AACPS said Thompson started with the school system as a daily substitute teacher in 2021. She took a permanent substitute teacher job at Monarch Global Academy in February 2022. Thompson has taught at Seven Oaks this entire school year.

Court records show that Thompson is charged with the following misdemeanors

• Handgun in vehicle
• Dangerous weapon on school property
• Loaded handgun in vehicle

A judge released Thompson until her trial, the record says.

"Please know that our school counselors, as well the AACPS Office of Student Services, are always available to speak with students and staff about their feelings and concerns they may have regarding the climate of our school," Patterson said.

The principal said tipsters can report their concerns by anonymously calling the Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line at 833-MD-B-SAFE (833-632-7233). That line is available 24/7.

Patterson's full letter is posted here.