Substitute teacher arrested for allegedly bringing firearm on school property

ONLEY, Va. – The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office says substitute teacher Phillip Gordon Stewart at Nandua High School was arrested after allegedly carrying a gun on school grounds.

“It’s a big responsibility to carry a handgun, and I think it’s not the place for a teacher to be carrying a handgun,” said Helen Barone, a local resident.

On Sunday people in Accomack County shared their concerns after learning that 63-year-old Stewart allegedly carried a gun into Nandua High School. Police received reports about Stewart on Wednesday and promptly arrested and charged the substitute teacher shortly afterwards.

While many think Stewart deserved to be arrested others believe the punishment may have been too harsh.

“I don’t think he should have been charged,” said Jacob Loescher, a local resident.

“I think he should have just had a warning,” said Loescher.

Police did not reveal why the 63-year-old man, from Locustville, Virginia was carrying a gun. However, people like Jacob Loescher say they believe people should be able to carry guns around students and staff if they feel it is necessary for safety.

“In this day in age you need to protect your life and your well-being,” said Loescher.

“Some people have evil thoughts or do evil actions and we must protect our community,” said Loescher.

Regardless of opinion, it is against the law to carry a gun into a high school in the state of Virginia.

The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office says Stewart was released on a $2,500 dollar secured bond on Friday. Stewart was charged for possession of a firearm on school property. According to the Sheriff’s Office there will be a public meeting on this incident, but a date has not been announced.