Gig Harbor principal under restraining order tried to buy gun
Mar 23, 2012, 5:23 AM | Updated: 10:00 am
A high school principal in Pierce County, arrested for drunk driving, had earlier bought a handgun after learning his wife had filed for divorce.
Court papers filed by Ted Strong’s wife claim the principal of Gig Harbor High School had been harassing her and had threatened suicide. A judge granted a restraining order preventing Strong from visiting the family home or contacting his two children, ages 16 and 12.
On Monday, a Pierce County sheriff’s deputy confronted Strong outside his Fox Island home. The deputy noted in his report that Strong smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred. He reports that Strong admitted buying a gun but denied he was suicidal.
The News Tribune reports that the deputy called the store manager and put a 30-day hold on releasing the gun. The county’s Law Enforcement Support Agency says it will deny the gun sale.
The next day, Tuesday, Strong was arrested after his car was involved in a rear-end crash on Fox Island. He reportedly left the scene of the accident and was later cited and released. The Peninsula School District has placed the 42-year-old principal on leave.
