PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (WPBF) – A former teacher, Joe Urias, was arrested after being found naked inside an elementary school classroom in Port St. Lucie over Thanksgiving break.
Urias, 34, had been employed at Somerset College Preparatory Academy in Port St. Lucie. According to court records, authorities were dispatched to Windmill Point Elementary on Thanksgiving after an alarm signaled a potential burglary in progress. Upon arrival, police found no signs of forced entry. However, through a window, a deputy spotted Urias in the classroom with marijuana, sex toys, food, clothes, and a laptop.
Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk explained that Urias noticed the deputy, quickly dressed, and attempted to leave the school. When the deputy tried to arrest him, Urias punched him in the face.
Somerset College Preparatory Academy confirmed via a Facebook post that Urias is no longer employed there. The school responded to inquiries about its hiring practices, explaining that background checks would now include a system that informs the school about any criminal history.
Thankfully, no children were present during the incident. Niemczyk stated, “There was nobody inside the school at the time. He was by himself.” Authorities believe Urias may be experiencing homelessness and possibly entered through an unlocked window.
Urias faces multiple charges, including battery of a law enforcement officer.