A Florida teacher has been arrested after being discovered naked inside a classroom with a slew of bizarre items in his possession.
Authorities were initially called to the school after an alarm suggested a potential burglary was in progress but what officers found at Windmill Point Elementary School left them stunned.
Joe Urias, 34, was spotted by a deputy inside a classroom. Urias was found naked and surrounded by a peculiar assortment of items including sex toys, women’s underwear, marijuana, some food and a laptop. He also created a makeshift bed.
School was closed for the Thanksgiving break meaning nobody else was on site, but Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk described the scene as deeply unsettling.
‘There were no children present. There was nobody inside the school at the time. He was by himself. You know, as to the vulgarity, I think I just don’t even want to get into his mind and think about what he was thinking,’ Niemczyk stated.
When Urias realized he’d been seen, he quickly got dressed and attempted to make a run for it.
Officers gave chase but the situation escalated further when Urias punched a deputy in the face once they caught up to him.
Despite the assault, law enforcement successfully subdued and arrested him.
Joe Urias, 34, a Florida teacher was arrested after being discovered naked inside a classroom in Port St. Lucie on Thanksgiving night
Urias was found naked and surrounded by a peculiar 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 potential burglary was in progress at Windmill Point Elementary School
‘I identified myself, I held both of my hands up and said “deputy sheriff, stop!” And he said “no bro” and tried to run through me,’ St. Lucie County Deputy Eric Holbert told CBS12 News.
‘We tussled a little bit, he hit me right here in the lip, I hit him in the jaw and I was able to hold him with a jiu-jitsu seatbelt grip.’
Further investigation found that Urias, who appeared to be homeless, had gained entry to the school through an unlocked window
Urias admitted that he had entered the school for shelter but the presence of marijuana and sex toys raised questions about his intentions.
‘He said that he was homeless and what he has been doing is teaching at his school and then hanging out at a Starbucks and then sleeping in the public wherever he can,’ Deputy Holbert shared.
‘He knew this week that schools were out, so he was going to break into the school and stay there for the week.’
Urias, who had been a teacher at Somerset College Preparatory Academy, was promptly fired from his role following the incident.
The school issued a statement on social media emphasizing their commitment to student safety and outlining their hiring practices.
Urias faces a slew of charges, including battery of a law enforcement officer, burglary, and lewd and lascivious behavior
Urias also erected a makeshift bed on the the classroom mat
One former law enforcement official speculated Urias’s behavior might have been influenced by drug use or perhaps a mental health crisis
Questions remain about how Urias’s behavior went unchecked
‘All prospective employees at our school undergo thorough background checks and screening conducted by the local school district,’ the statement read. ‘We will ensure that this individual does not return to our campus.’
The post sparked frustration among parents, many of whom criticized the school’s hiring procedures, particularly when it comes to the thoroughness of background checks.
The incident has left the Port St. Lucie community in shock, particularly given Urias’s role as an educator.
‘It’s horrifying to think that someone who taught children could end up in this situation,’ one parent commented online. ‘Schools need to do more to ensure our kids are safe.’
Urias now faces multiple charges, including battery of a law enforcement officer, burglary, and lewd and lascivious behavior.
One former law enforcement official weighed in on the incident, speculating that Urias’s behavior might have been influenced by drug use or perhaps a mental health crisis.
When Urias realized he’d been seen, he quickly got dressed and attempted to make a run for it
Urias is alleged to have punched a deputy in the face during his attempted escape from school
‘It’s highly unusual for someone under the influence of marijuana alone to exhibit this kind of erratic behavior,’ noted Chad Ayers, a former sheriff’s deputy and security expert said to Law & Crime.
‘It’s possible there are other substances or deeper psychological issues at play.’
Ayers also highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces when apprehending suspects in such unusual situations.
‘Engaging with a suspect who’s naked and combative introduces unique complications,’ he explained.
‘The officer handled the situation professionally despite being assaulted.’
As authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about how Urias’s behavior went unchecked and whether systemic changes are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
