Similar to what I planned to say. Pikes could have a "formal system" for use, like a military drill manual, and pretty simple in comparison to that of a sword. The days of flintlock, matchlock, even cap lock (right before the modern cartridge era) of the US Civil War made for a pretty unwieldy pike, stick a pointy end on it and it was at least something if the ranks broke or you had no time to reload before being overrun.

Follow up from the local paper today. He did get probation after all, along with living in a residential mental health facility and has to stay away from children and schools. He has a lot of stipulations, but does not have to register as a set offender.

The article provided some more details such as He had no photos of children (a teacher?) and the employee that let him in resigned a fee weeks into their investigation. He also had a history of mental instability. It said the plea deal was agreed upon by the "victims" whomever they determined them to be.

I got the rag in the mail today. I'm not sure but I assume there is an online article as well.

Follow up from the local paper today. He did get probation after all, along with living in a residential mental health facility and has to stay away from children and schools. He has a lot of stipulations, but does not have to register as a set offender.

The article provided some more details such as He had no photos of children (a teacher?) and the employee that let him in resigned a fee weeks into their investigation. He also had a history of mental instability. It said the plea deal was agreed upon by the "victims" whomever they determined them to be.

The DA has not said anything about what the plea deal (if there is one) entails. This is someone (a parent) making that statement claiming to have heard it, so this is even less than unofficial.

On the other hand... I have heard nothing about the employee that let him in just a few days after the district (school) having held refresher training to NOT permit this kind of thing to happen (per the original new story). The original news story said they were suspended, but I could not find anything on that investigation outcome. Sorry, but that person should likely loose (or did loose) their job. I was not able to find anything in the news on it, nor my reviewing the Gateway School Board Notes from April through present for anything related to this case. Personnel matters, I understand, are somewhat confidential, but some record I would have assume would be there for the outcome of the investigation (no names).