Dunlevy woman faces trespass, threat charges
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A Dunlevy woman faces charges after she reportedly entered the Charleroi Middle School in Fallowfield Township without permission after classes ended for the day earlier this week and then threatened to burn down the high school when ordered out of the building.
Amur J. Ward, 40, of 47 Barcelona Lane, was found walking the hallways of the middle school about 3:25 p.m. Tuesday by Principal Mary Tickner, said school police Chief Michael Kresich. Ward told Tickner that she was looking for Patricia Mason, principal of the high school.
“A door had been left unlocked by maintenance and she came in,” Kresich said, adding that several after-school programs were going on at the time. “She has been to the school many times and is well aware of the posted security signs and requirement to register.”
Kresich said he has seen Ward in the school several times in the past and knows she is familiar with the location of the high school office.
Tickner took Ward to Mason’s office. Mason reportedly wanted to discuss an issue concerning her son, who is a student at the school Ward reportedly became belligerent with Mason and made aggressive moves toward the principal.
Mason told Ward to leave school grounds several times, but she refused, police said. When Kresich arrived at Mason’s office, Ward was reportedly still being belligerent and refused his order to leave. After he told her again to leave, she reportedly screamed in an unknown foreign language. Kresich said that when she reached the front door she shouted, “This school will burn.”
In light of the tragedy last week in Connecticut, Kresich said personnel have been reminded to be more vigilant about security measures. The district is also looking at ways to increase security on the campus, which includes six buildings in addition to the bus garage.
“We had been looking at ways to improve security, but after the incident in Connecticut, we will be stepping up those plans,” he added.
Ward will be charged with defiant trespass, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct. The charges will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Larry Hopkins.