GREENSBORO, N.C. — Guilford County Schools (GCS) provided an update following a break-in at Irving Park Elementary.
On April 13, the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) alleged that 26-year-old Jonathan Cooley broke into the school. The district said surveillance video shows Coley walking inside with a weapon.
GCS officials shared he got inside the school through an unlatched door.
Some parents were left with questions about safety and the intentions of the suspect who broke into the school.
"I want to make sure our kids are safe. Why did it take so long for information to get to parents?" Joey Milks questioned.
The district said it took three days to review the camera footage because the cameras were newly installed.
One parent said they were told about an investigation the day police arrested Coley but were unaware of danger concerns.
"Tuesday was the notification that something had happened; it was mainly that police were on the campus looking into a vandalism that had occurred before that," Erin Yeager recalled, "They did not mention it being somebody with a gun or possibly something that could be harmful to the children."
The district said the surveillance video returns to see how the door initially became unlatched. It did not share information on who or what happened.
Timeline
4/12 - GCS updates the security camera system inside Irving Park Elementary (IPE)
4/13- Greensboro police initially responded to Irving Park Elementary early morning for a burglary alarm but didn't find anyone.
4/15- There are concerns after unusual tire tracks are seen on school property.
4/16- After reviewing the surveillance video, The IPE principal followed up with the police. The same day, detectives identified and arrested Jonathan Coley.
4/20- GCS notified parents of the investigation and arrest of Coley.
4/21- GPD alerted media outlets about the arrest and incident.
4/23- GCS meets with parents via Zoom to discuss the incident.
4/24- GCS holds a press conference for media outlets.
Watch the press conference below
Court documents reveal that Coley was inside the school with a semi-automatic rifle.
Detectives identified and arrested Coley on 4/16. Currently, he is in jail and charged with:
- Possessing a gun on educational property (F)
- Possession of marijuana (F)
- Maintain dwelling/vehicle for controlled substance (F)
- Breaking or entering (M)
- Possessing Marijuana Paraphernalia (M)
Coley appeared in court on April 17, where he was deemed a “threat to the community” and then placed under a $25,000 bond, as well as given these conditions:
- Coley is banned from all Guilford County Schools, as well as any educational school property, including colleges and community colleges
- He must relinquish any and all firearms and ammunition when asked to do so by any law enforcement officer
- He must undergo a mental health evaluation before any potential release (MHAT)
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