Police: Stoneman Douglas Teacher Arrested After Leaving Gun In Public Restroom

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (CBS News) -- A chemistry teacher at the Florida school where 17 people were shot to death was arrested earlier this week after authorities said he left a loaded gun in a public restroom, where a drunk homeless man picked it up and fired it.

No one was injured, but the teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is now charged with failing to safely store his weapon, according to CBS News.

A Broward Sheriff's report says 43-year-old Sean Simpson, who carries a concealed weapons permit, left his Glock 9 mm in a restroom at the Deerfield Beach Pier on Sunday. He told deputies he was returning to get it when he heard a gunshot, and found the man holding the pistol.

Broward Sheriff Deputies surround the men's bathroom at the Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier on Sunday, April, 8, 2018. Marjory Stoneman Douglas chemistry teacher Sean Simpson was arrested after police allege he left a loaded gun in the public restroom and a drunken homeless man found it and fired it. (Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)

Simpson told a sheriff's deputy he wrestled the gun away from the man, CBS Miami station WFOR-TV reports.

According to the arrest report, Simpson said he forgot to pick the gun up after finishing in the restroom.

According to the Miami Herald, Simpson said after the Stoneman Douglas shooting that he would be willing to carry a gun on campus if it were allowed.

On Tuesday, the county school board voted against arming teachers.

Records show Simpson posted a $250 bond. It's not known whether he has a lawyer.

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