Elementary School Locked Down After Woman Assaulted Staff, Barged Into Classroom: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — John Jenkins Elementary School was locked down on Thursday and police were called when a woman entered the school, assaulted staff members, and barged into a classroom, according to the police report. The woman, who police identified as Ronesha Juanita Murray, was arrested.

Police were called to the school around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday. School staff said that a woman, who police identified as Murray, parked her vehicle in the lot and followed a parent into the building.

Employees at the school approached Murray to ask who she was and why she was in the building, but Murray walked past them, police said. When the employees tried to stop Murray, she pushed them before walking upstairs, according to the police report.

On an upper floor, Murray "forcibly entered" a classroom where a teacher was instructing students, authorities said. The teacher moved the children away from Murray on the opposite side of the classroom.

Another staff member tried to remove Murray from the room, which led to a struggle, according to the police department. During the struggle, Murray removed glasses from the staff member's face.

Police officers arrived on the scene and found Murray in the classroom. She was taken into custody without further incident. Staff members reported minor injuries, police said.

Investigators said there was no known connection between Murray and the school.

On Thursday afternoon, John Jenkins Elementary School principal Xanthe McFadden sent a letter to families informing them of the lockdown.

"The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority," McFadden wrote. "With everyone's help, we can continue to keep our school a safe and effective place to learn."

Read more: IT Specialist Sexually Assaulted 4 Elementary School Students: Police

There was an additional security presence at the school on Friday, McFadden said. The school also provided counselors to support students and staff.

Murray was charged with three counts of assault and battery, one count of trespassing, and one count of disorderly conduct. She is being held without bond at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center, and her court date is scheduled for June 23.

Have a story idea? Email me at liam.griffin@patch.com with tips, questions, comments, or concerns.