Background: Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee (Google Maps). Inset: Keith Burton (Shelby County Sheriff”s Office).
A Tennessee man faces serious charges after allegedly resorting to violence and threats in response to his stepdaughter’s reported bullying at school. Keith Burton, 32, is accused of assaulting a child and threatening to carry out a mass shooting at an elementary school, according to court documents reviewed by Law&Crime. He is currently held in the Shelby County Jail following his arrest on Thursday.
The incident unfolded at Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary School in Memphis, where Burton, reportedly incensed by what he perceived as bullying against his stepdaughter, confronted several students. A police report acquired by local Fox affiliate WHBQ outlines how Burton’s actions escalated. He allegedly berated the children, threw a water bottle at them, and ominously warned two students not to return to school the next day.
Burton’s behavior reportedly took a more dangerous turn when he brandished a handgun and threatened to “shoot up the school,” according to a report from Memphis-based NBC affiliate WMC. The threat prompted school officials to contact the police immediately.
The vice principal informed the responding officers about Burton’s menacing threat. Upon his arrest, Burton allegedly confessed to both making the threat and hurling the water bottle, attributing his actions to his anger over his stepdaughter’s alleged bullying.
His behavior is said to have escalated further, as the suspect pulled out a handgun and threatened to “shoot up the school,” Memphis-based NBC affiliate WMC reported.
Police were called to the building, and the school’s vice principal told officers about the threat. Burton was arrested, and while speaking to law enforcement, he reportedly admitted to making the threat and throwing the water bottle, saying he was angry that his daughter was being bullied.
Burton was set to appear in court for a bail hearing on Tuesday, and he is scheduled to return to court on Friday.
Court records show he has faced criminal charges before, including last September when he was accused of misdemeanor domestic assault causing bodily harm. That case is ongoing.
Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary School is a public school located in the northern part of Memphis; it is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
