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Student teacher with gun arrested at Nebo Elementary

By Richelle Bailey | The McDowell News

Published: November 25, 2009

Nebo, NC - A student teacher found himself in police custody instead of in the classroom Tuesday afternoon. Authorities said he brought a gun to school and made threats.
Joseph Howard Vallance, 36, of Beck Street in Marion was charged with possession of a gun on school property. He was taken into custody in lieu of a $5,000 bond.
Lt. Lynn Greene of the McDowell County Sheriff's Office said officers received word around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday of possible threats made by Vallance in reference to a firearm. They went to Nebo Elementary, where he had been serving as a student teacher for three months, and "isolated" Vallance from the staff and students, Greene stated.
They searched the suspect's vehicle and retrieved a .40-caliber handgun, according to the lieutenant.
"The situation was handled discretely," said Greene. "No one at any time was in danger once we got the information."
Nebo's principal, as well as the McDowell County Schools superintendent's office, were notified immediately.
"He was a student teacher, not an employee," Associate Superintendent Mike Murray stated. "I want to assure the parents and the school community that no students were in danger."
Greene stated that he could not elaborate on the threats made by Vallance due to the ongoing investigation.
Vallance is a student at Lees-McRae College.