SEBASTIAN — A former Sebastian River High School student was jailed after she gained access to the campus, walked into a classroom and began flipping over desks on Monday, sheriff’s officials said. A teacher evacuated the students from the classroom when the disturbance occurred, school district officials said.
“Once inside, the former student proceeded to a teacher’s classroom, where she became extremely disruptive,” Cristen Maddux, spokesperson for the School District of Indian River County, said in a statement. “The teacher, recognizing the situation, immediately notified administration and security, and quickly cleared the classroom of all students to ensure their safety.”
The former pupil, Alani Christine Palmer, 21, was charged with trespassing on school grounds and interfering with school administration functions. Jail records describe Palmer as homeless.
Palmer was held Wednesday at the Indian River County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
The incident unfolded about noon Monday at Sebastian River High School, located at 9001 Shark Boulevard. School district officials said another student had let Palmer inside at the front reception entrance.
Palmer then headed toward the teacher’s classroom, where she began flipping over school desks, reports show. Deputies said Palmer had no legitimate business on the campus or any other authorization, license, or invitation to enter or remain at the school.
Deputies arrested Palmer and booked her into the county jail. Palmer has an arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 3, court records show.
“Thanks to the swift action of our administration and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, the individual was promptly detained. I want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Maddux said. “We are taking all necessary steps to prevent incidents like this from happening in the future. We are also working closely with law enforcement to address this situation thoroughly. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all.”