Suspicious Individual With Firearm Arrested At East Lawrence Middle School

TRINITY-At approximately 1:00 p.m. today February 6th, 2025, the School Resource Officer (SRO) at East Lawrence School was alerted by school officials to the presence of a suspicious individual in the East Lawrence Middle School parking lot.

Upon making contact with the individual, the SRO observed a handgun on the dashboard of the vehicle while the suspect rummaged through the back of his car. The officer immediately secured the firearm and placed the individual into custody.

During the field interview, the suspect was unable to form coherent responses, leading the officer to suspect intoxication. The individual was later identified as Justin Harold Retherford, 39, of Trinity, Alabama. Further investigation revealed that Retherford had an active Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order, with the protected party being a student at East Lawrence School.

Retherford was placed under arrest for Public Intoxication, Possession of a Firearm on School Property and Violation of a Protection from Abuse order (PFA) and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The Sheriffs Office may file further charges pending a full investigation and once the suspect is coherent enough for questioning.

Sheriff Sanders commends the swift actions of the School Resource Officer and school officials in ensuring the safety of students and staff.

This remains an ongoing investigation. No further details are available at this time.

All persons arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NOTE:The Booking photo is from a previous arrest