Herman Dewayne Pickens
COMFORT, W.Va. — Boone County, W.Va., sheriff’s deputies arrested Herman Dewayne Pickens, 53, of Peytona, W.Va., Wednesday, at approximately 10:30 a.m., according to a news release.
Pickens was arrested for “Threats of Terrorist Acts” at Sherman Elementary School in Comfort.
Deputies were made aware that Pickens had been in the school on several occasions and made specific threats concerning a firearm, to the staff of the school.
Corporal B.G. Browning encountered Pickens inside the school this morning and Pickens had a firearm holster on his belt where it was visible to students and staff.
Pickens also had in his possession a folding knife which is prohibited on school grounds, according to the police report. In close proximity to the school and inside Pickens’ vehicle, officers located a loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun, police added.
On at least two prior occasions this month, Pickens brandished the empty holster to the staff and made threats of not leaving his gun in his vehicle the next time he came in, according to police. These acts made the staff fear for the safety of their lives as well as the lives of the children inside the school, police said.
Pickens was taken before Magistrate C. Porter Snodgrass and arraigned Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 23, 2013. A $100,000 property bond was set.
Was the school staff waiting until he killed a bunch of kids before doing something about this guy.
This could have been another Newtown, Conn.