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Police intercept disgruntled school employee with gun

Sandy Springs police intercepted a disgruntled teacher headed towards a school with a brand new gun and ammo.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. -- Sandy Springs police intercepted a disgruntled teacher who purchased a brand new gun and ammo after a meeting with school officials on Wednesday.

In the morning hours, administrators at the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School said they were having a conversation with a teacher about sending inappropriate texts to former students.

The administrator said the teacher, later identified as Terry Kelly, has worked for the school for 7 years but was placed on administrative leave until June 2017.

Photos | Holy Innocents' lockdown

At the end of the discussion, the teacher became angry and left the building, according to administrators.

School officials hired a private investigator to follow him because they were concerned.

He was followed to a Bass Pro Shops location where he allegedly purchased a gun and ammo. Police were notified after the purchase and followed the teacher as he headed back toward Sandy Springs and the school was placed on lockdown due to a "possible external threat".

Police said they soon pulled him over in a traffic stop adding that he was loading the gun when they found him. During that traffic stop, he was taken into custody.

RELATED | Holy Innocents' Episcopal School placed on lockdown

The teacher was charged with reckless conduct and obstruction in connection to the incident.

As of the afternoon, officials said there was not yet a booking photo because the suspect had been taken to an area hospital before being processed at the jail.

It is not clear if he ever threatened the school.

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