California parent who held elementary school teacher hostage shot dead, say police

On Tuesday evening, swat officers swarmed a Castle View Elementary School classroom and shot a parent who had taken a teacher hostage, ending a seven hour-long standoff.

The parent, identified as Riverside, California resident Luvelle Kennon, 27, died later at a hospital, according to Riverside Police Officer Ryan Railsback.

The 70-year-old teacher, Linda Montgomery, sustained some slight injuries when she was grabbed and pulled into an empty classroom, said Railsback.

During the seven-hour standoff, crisis negotiators made contact with the man, but didn’t hear from Montgomery, which is why authorities decided to storm into the room at about 6pm.

It’s unclear whether the man was armed, but witnesses did not report seeing any weapons.

The incident began shortly before 11:15am, when the man forced his way past staff in the main office of the school, Riverside Unified spokesman Justin Grayson said.

Ariana Montgomery, granddaughter of teacher Linda Montgomery, is escorted from the scene while wearing Halloween makeup. (Photo: Los Angeles Times)

The students were having lunch when the incident began and no children were in the classrooms, said Grayson.

The parent, who’s daughter is in first grade, did not appear to follow the school district’s safety procedures and check in with the front desk, Railsback said.

A male teacher confronted the parent, who responded by hitting the teacher in the face.

A witness said that the teacher’s face was “bloodied” and his nose appeared to be broken.

Police said that Kennon then took Montgomery hostage inside an empty classroom, though the reason why is not clear.

All students were evacuated from the campus to a nearby park and released to their parents after 1pm, with all students having been accounted for, said Grayson.

Officials cancelled classes at the elementary school for the rest of the week and the district is offering support services for employees, students and families.