A 6-year-old Virginia boy who shot his first-grade teacher last month also allegedly strangled another teacher, according to a legal notice filed by an attorney for the injured teacher.
The boy also allegedly cursed at staff and attempted to whip students with his belt, according to the notice filed on behalf of teacher Abby Zwerner and sent to the Newport News school district.
The notice from Diane Toscano, Zwerner’s attorney, informed the district that Zwerner intends to sue. The Associated Press said she obtained the notice of claim through a public records request.
The AP reported that the notice describes previous behavior problems the boy had at Richneck Elementary School.
EMAILS FROM VIRGINIA TEACHER REVEAL ‘BEHAVIORAL DIFFICULTIES’ WITH 6-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO SHOOT HIM: REPORT
A Newport News police officer directs traffic at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia on Monday, January 30, 2023. The Virginia elementary school where a 6-year-old boy shot his teacher has reopened with heightened security and a new administrator. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)
Two days before the shooting, the claim notice said the boy allegedly “hit” Zwerner’s cell phone, breaking it. Although she received a one-day suspension, she said she returned to her class and used a 9mm pistol to shoot her while she was sitting at a table reading.
In this undated photo provided by her family and attorneys, Abigail Zwerner, a first grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, is shown inside her classroom. (Abigail Zwerner’s family via AP, File)
The choking incident was confirmed to The Associated Press by the teacher, who said the boy approached her from behind in 2021, locked his forearms in front of her neck, and yanked down before a teaching assistant could pull him out of her. .
VIRGINIA SCHOOL WHERE 6-YEAR-OLD TEACHER REOPENS WITH METAL DETECTORS, IMPROVED SECURITY
“I didn’t feel safe the rest of the year because I knew if they didn’t protect me when I was suffocating and couldn’t breathe, then they wouldn’t protect me, my children or my colleagues if I did anything. not so harmful,” she said, noting that the incident had been reported to administrators. The teacher herself requested anonymity because she fears possible retaliation from the school district.
Students return to Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia on Monday, January 30, 2023. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)
The boy was later transferred to another class at another school. After the shooting, police said they took him to a medical center where he receives unspecified services.
Toscano’s notice also elaborated on Zwerner’s allegations of neglect in Richneck on Jan. 6, including a timeline describing how she and others had raised concerns about the boy having a gun.
Students return to Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia on Monday, January 30, 2023. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Len Wallin, the school system’s director of legal services, said in an email to the AP that it is standard practice for the school division to send notices of intent to sue to its insurer, which handles such litigation.
Fox News Digital’s request for comment from the school system was not immediately returned.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
