Dad in Distress Sparks Chaos at School, Leading to Arrest, Say Authorities

The Maricopa Police Department has arrested a parent at Leading Edge Academy following a disturbance that occurred around the time school was letting out yesterday. Initially classified as a DUI investigation in the school parking lot, the situation escalated significantly within the school’s premises, according to a police spokesperson.

Ricardo Deleon, 35, who resides in the Ak-Chin Indian Community, was taken into custody around 2 p.m. and later booked into the Pinal County jail on charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing. The incident began when Deleon attempted to pick up a student but refused to provide identification, prompting the school to deny his request for the child’s release.

Monica Williams, the police spokesperson, described the scene, stating, “When the school refused to release the student, Deleon became irate and caused a large disturbance in the office.” Authorities were summoned when he allegedly refused to leave the premises.

Upon arrival, officers noted that Deleon appeared to be highly impaired. In a timely communication to parents, school officials assured that there was no credible threat to students or staff due to the incident.