A Florida teacher has been arrested after he was found naked in a classroom with a slew of bizarre items in his possession.
Authorities were initially called to the school after an alarm suggested a possible burglary was in progress, but what officers found at Windmill Point Elementary School left them baffled.
Joe Urias, 34, was spotted by an officer in a classroom. Urias was found naked and surrounded by a curious assortment of items, including sex toys, women’s underwear, marijuana, some food and a laptop. He also created a makeshift bed.
The school was closed for Thanksgiving break, meaning no one else was on scene, but Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk described the scene as deeply disturbing.
‘There were no children present. There was no one in the school at the time. He was alone. You know, as far as the vulgarity goes, I guess I just don’t even want to get into his mind and think about what he was thinking,” Niemczyk said.
When Urias realized he had been seen, he quickly dressed and tried to run away.
Officers gave chase, but the situation escalated further when Urias punched a deputy in the face as they caught up with him.
Despite the attack, police were able to successfully subdue and arrest him.
Joe Urias, 34, a teacher from Florida, was arrested after he was discovered naked in a classroom in Port St. Lucie on Thanksgiving evening
Urias was found naked and surrounded by a curious assortment of items, including sex toys, women’s underwear, marijuana, some food and a laptop.
Authorities were initially called to the school after an alarm suggested a possible burglary was underway at Windmill Point Elementary School
“I identified myself, held up both hands and said, ‘Deputy, stop!’ And he said ‘no bro’ and tried to obstruct me,” St. Lucie County Deputy Eric Holbert said CBS12 News.
“We wrestled a little bit, he hit me right on the lip, I hit him in the jaw and I was able to hold him down with a jiu-jitsu seatbelt.”
Further investigation revealed that Urias, who appeared to be homeless, entered the school through an unlocked window
Urias admitted he entered the school to seek shelter, but the presence of marijuana and sex toys raised questions about his intentions.
“He said he was homeless and what he did was teach at his school, then hang out at a Starbucks and then sleep in public wherever he could,” Deputy Holbert said.
“He knew school was out this week, so he was going to break into the school and stay there for a week.”
Urias, who had been a teacher at Somerset College Preparatory Academy, was immediately dismissed from his role following the incident.
The school released a statement on social media highlighting their commitment to student safety and outlining their hiring practices.
Urias faces a slew of charges, including arrest of a law enforcement officer, burglary and lewd and lascivious conduct
Urias also set up a makeshift bed on the mat in the classroom
A former law enforcement officer speculated that Urias’ behavior may have been influenced by drug use or perhaps a mental health crisis
Questions remain about how Urias’ behavior went unchecked
“All prospective employees at our school undergo thorough background checks and screening by the local school district,” the statement said. “We will ensure that this person does not return to our campus.”
The message sparked frustration among parents, many of whom criticized the school’s hiring practices, especially when it comes to the thoroughness of background checks.
The incident has left the Port St. Lucie community in shock, especially considering Urias’ role as an educator.
“It’s horrifying to think that someone who teaches children could find themselves in this situation,” one parent commented online. “Schools must do more to ensure our children are safe.”
Urias now faces multiple charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer, burglary and lewd and lascivious conduct.
A former law enforcement officer weighed in on the incident, speculating that Urias’ behavior may have been influenced by drug use or perhaps a mental health crisis.
When Urias realized he had been seen, he quickly dressed and tried to run away
Urias allegedly punched a deputy in the face during his attempted escape from school
“It’s very unusual for someone who is solely under the influence of marijuana to exhibit this type of erratic behavior,” said Chad Ayers, a former sheriff’s deputy and safety expert. Law & Crime.
“It’s possible that other substances or deeper psychological issues are at play.”
Ayers also highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects in such unusual situations.
“Engaging a suspect who is naked and combative presents unique complications,” he explained.
“The officer handled the situation professionally, despite being attacked.”
As authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about how Urias’ behavior went unchecked and whether systemic changes are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.