VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — After a man was arrested for trespassing at Kempsville High School Friday — allegedly with two large knives and a hatchet — WTKR News 3 has learned he used to teach physical education at the school and allegedly sent a threatening message involving the school prior to his arrest.
Joseph Molineaux, 59, of Virginia Beach, was hired by VBCPS in August of 1999 and retired in February of 2023 as a PE Teacher at Kempsville High, according to the school division.
Police had been called on Friday, April 25 to do a welfare check on Molineaux who was later found and taken into custody at Kempsville High.
Watch previous coverage: Possible trespasser at Kempsville High School taken into custody, police say
While he was in custody, police say they found "multiple bladed weapons in his car." According to court documents obtained by WTKR News 3, the weapons police say they found were two large knives and a hatchet.
The court documents also outline concerning threatening remarks Molineaux allegedly made about Kempsville High the day before he was detained on school grounds. A criminal complaint says Molineaux texted his mother the following message Thursday, referring to his dog: "she grounds me and keeps me from going into Walmart or into Kempsville High School with an AK-47 and mowing down administration."
The complaint says while executing a search warrant at Molineaux's home, police found two loaded AK-style firearms.
Molineaux is charged with trespassing, possession of a weapon on school property, and felony threat to commit serious bodily harm in connection to the incident. He also had outstanding warrants from another jurisdiction, police say.
Watch related: Police presence outside Kempsville High
The principal of Kempsville High School put out the following statement Friday in response to the incident:
"Today, there was police activity in our parking lot. I want to assure you that all students and staff are safe, and the school day has continued without interruption. The incident was related to a matter being handled by local law enforcement. Out of an abundance of caution, we worked closely with the Virginia Beach Police Department and the Office of Safety and Emergency Management to ensure campus safety. As always, we are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and staff. We encourage families to talk with their students about the importance of reporting anything they see or hear that may be concerning. When students and staff speak up, we can respond quickly and appropriately. Thank you for your continued support of Kempsville High School." - Kempsville High School Principal Melissa George
The school did not go into lockdown due to the incident. However, students who spoke with News 3 said the school was on a short delay between classes.
"They told us that we had to stay in class for an administrative delay," Sawyer Whitmore, a senior, told WTKR News 3 Virginia Beach neighborhood reporter John Hood. "It was like one or two minutes."
An arraignment for Molineaux has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday. Stay with News 3 for updates.
