Police: Student threatens to kill, assaults staff member over cellphone policy

PITTSBURGH — A student who attends Clayton Academy in Pittsburgh is accused of assaulting and threatening a school staff member over a cellphone Wednesday.

DeAndre Watkins, 18, was arraigned and charged with threatening and assaulting an administrator.

According to the criminal complaint, Watkins didn't want to turn in his cellphone –- which according to Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman Ebony Pugh -- is school policy. Pugh said administrators asked Watkins to leave the property if he didn't oblige.

The criminal complaint stated that Watkins then refused to leave and told the staff member, "I know where you live and I'm going to be there tonight to kill you."

Watkins is then accused of punching and pushing the man into a wall. Officials said the school staff member suffered a head injury in the altercation. There is no word on his condition.

According to Pittsburgh Public Schools' website, the "purpose of Clayton Academy is to improve academic achievement and student behavior for a small percentage of district students who are behaviorally challenged and need to get 'back on track' in their learning and behavior so they can return to our schools and be successful."

A judge ordered Watkins to attend a behavioral clinic.

WPXI