LITTLE ROCK — Police have released the name of the Jacksonville High School teacher who was involved in the Tuesday morning incident that got her and a student arrested.
According to a release sent out by the Jacksonville Police Department, 55-year-old Jennifer Ellen Paul was arrested on charges of Possession of a Handgun on School Property, a Class D felony, after a student stole the gun out of her purse while school was in session. The student was also arrested and taken in for questioning. No word on the status of the student at this time.
In the report, Paul stated she has a concealed carry license, but forgot to take the gun out of her purse before coming to class.
Students in the classroom witnessed another student steal the handgun out of the teacher’s purse and conceal it in his waistband. The juvenile was arrested without incident, his charges include theft, and minor in possession of a handgun on school property, the student has been turned over to the Juvenile Justice Center.
Pulaski County Special School District spokesman Deborah Roush said that per standard procedure, the teacher will be suspended with pay until both the internal and criminal investigations conclude.
There was no word yet on what prompted the student to take the gun from the teacher. The investigation is ongoing and officials will provide information as it becomes available.