No prosecution over Fla. teacher's threats

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Florida prosecutors say they don't have enough evidence to prosecute a high school teacher who allegedly threatened to shoot his students and principal.

The state attorney's office said in court documents that the case against West Orange High School science teacher Jerrold Gabriel would not go forward because there was not enough evidence to back up the claims made by a school guidance counselor.

Gabriel was arrested by Orange County sheriff's deputies for allegedly threatening to kill the school principal and also stating he would shoot any students who were on a school list ahead of a particular student whom he wanted enrolled in his class.

The decision was supported by some students; however, others told WFTV-TV, Orlando, they felt Gabriel was not being held accountable for his actions.

Gabriel remained on unpaid leave and under investigation by the school district Wednesday. WFTV said the decision by the state attorney's office cleared away a major roadblock to his reinstatement.