BENNINGTON, Vt. -
A teacher at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington is being medically evaluated after he sent what police call "alarming emails" to other teachers.
We spoke with Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette to find out why and if any students were at risk.
Doucette says on Sunday night, concerned neighbors of teacher Steven Davis called police.
They say they saw him carrying a black box to his car with what appeared to be a gun inside so they acted.
Bennington police went to his home to check it out.
They say he did in fact have a gun he's owned for several years which some use for hunting.
"A Bush Master AR 15 rifle. A modern style rifle," Chief Doucette said.
But because of a judge's abuse order filed by a family member police took the gun away.
Chief Doucette told us Davis was cooperative but the story didn't end there.
"A few hours later some videos started to appear on youtube and facebook." Chief Doucette said.
Police say he even sent these alarming videos to teacher's email accounts.
"In fact Davis sent videos to teachers warning them that it was time for a change or if you were a bad teacher it was time for change," Chief Doucette said
At this point there is no indication on Davis planned on making the changes he mentioned, but police say he didn't make any treats to use his weapon. Chief Doucette said that it appeared Davis had never used his gun and Davis said he was taking it to his car to transport it.
But police didn't want to take any chances. Chief Doucette says he spoke with Davis after asking him to come into the station and suggested he be medically evaluated, which Davis agreed to.
At this time Davis is being evaluated at a Bennington health facility and will be transported to another state facility soon.
Chief Doucette said that because of the judge's order filed by a family member it is unlikely that Davis will get his gun back anytime soon. He also said there's no reason to believe Davis ever took the gun to Mount Anthony Union High School.
We also spoke with Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union Superintendent Catherine McClure, who said that Davis is currently on medical leave.
She also said that she will be reviewing the situation and following proper "protocol" in determining Davis' future at the school.
