Teacher's Aide Brought Gun To School: Clarkstown Cops

WEST NYACK, NY — A teacher's aide brought a gun to school Wednesday morning, Clarkstown police said.

At about 9 a.m. the Clarkstown Police Department responded to the Jesse Kaplan School of the BOCES Campus in West Nyack. A fellow staff member noticed a handbag containing, what was later identified as, a black Ruger 9mm handgun, which was located in a staff closet.

At the time the weapon was found, the classroom was only occupied by fellow staff members, police said.

The school initiated a lockdown, following school protocol. It was determined by the school principal and the SRO that the gun was the property of Gillian L. Jeffords.

As soon as the gun was secured by the SRO, the determination was made to release the lockdown. The school resumed the normal schedule and dismissal will be held at regular time. Additional police resources will be on hand at dismissal.

At no point was this weapon displayed or used in a threatening manner by the teacher’s aide.

The teacher’s aide was transported to police headquarters for further investigation. Based on the Clarkstown Detective Bureau’s investigation, Jeffords, 24, of Warwick, NY, was arrested. She did have a valid firearms license in both New York and Pennsylvania. Both of those licenses have been confiscated and a review of the licenses will be conducted by a judge.

Jeffords was charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, which is a felony. She was released on appearance ticket and will return to Clarkstown Criminal Court on May 7, 2018. There is no photo available due to the defendant being released on an appearance ticket.

PHOTOS/ Clarkstown Police Department