Crime & Safety

Barrington Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Threat to 'Shoot Up' School

Cynthia Balcewicz of Third Street allegedly said she should 'shoot up' East Providence High School, where her son attends, after a run-in with school officials.

 

A Barrington woman pleaded not guilty in Sixth District Court on Wednesday, Jan. 30, after she allegedly threatened to “shoot up” East Providence High School on Monday, Jan. 28, after a run-in with school officials. Her son reportedly attends the high school.

Cynthia Balcewicz, 34, of 57 Third St., turned herself into East Providence police earlier on Wednesday after a warrant was issued for her arrest on a charge of disorderly conduct, according to a story in eastbayri.com. The alleged threats came after she reportedly got upset with a school rule about students using cell phones in the building.

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Her son reportedly called her to tell her he was not feeling well, and he asked to be picked up. The school also requires students to tell the nurse when they are sick. The nurse calls the parents.

Balcewicz reportedly stormed out of the school when she was told about the rules, according to a report from School Resource Officer Doug Borden. As she left the building, Balcewicz allegedly said she should come back and “shoot up the school.”

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Two school aides reportedly heard her and went to Borden to report what they heard.

Borden began an investigation and reviewed video recorded by a security camera. It reportedly identified Balcewicz as being in the school. Police got a warrant for her arrest on Tuesday based on Borden’s investigation. 

Balcewicz also was charged by East Providence police in 2001 with possession of a firearm after they raided her apartment for drugs. She has been involved in other incidents in the city as well, according to the eastbayri.com story, but never charged.

Why her son attends the high school while she lives in Barrington also is being investigated.


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