Lawrence Teacher Allegedly Threatened to Bring Gun to School, Shoot Students

A Spanish teacher at the Lawrence Intermediate School has been charged with harassment after he allegedly threatened to bring in his gun and shoot students in the kneecaps. 

Lawrence Police said they swore out a complaint on Gualberto Gonzalez, 59, after several students became alarmed during a classroom incident on Oct. 22. 

There was a scuffle in the classroom and Gonzalez, in an effort to settle the dispute allegedly said, "Don't make me bring my gun in 'cause I will shoot your kneecaps off," according to Lawrence Township Police.

Lawrence Intermediate School serves students in grades 4-6. 

Gonzalez has been employed by the Lawrence Township School District since 2005, said Tom Eldridge, the Board of Education secretary and business administrator for the district.

"Yes, we are aware of the police report," Eldridge told Patch. "But we really can't comment on any investigation that we're doing with our own personnel.

"I cannot tell you if (Gonzalez) is suspended, but he is employed here," Eldridge continued. "I can assure you that we're doing everything to maintain the safety of our students and protect the privacy of our staff."

An investigation revealed that Gonzalez had no firearms and so far there has been no indication that he intended to carry out his threat, Lawrence Police said. 

Gonzalez previously taught at Lawrence High School, but was transferred to the Intermediate School this year to fill a vacancy.