Palo Alto Man Faces Charges After School Pellet Shooting
A 67-year-old man was arrested after allegedly firing a pellet gun at the Stratford School campus.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Property Crime
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Palo Alto police arrested a 67-year-old resident on felony assault charges after he allegedly fired a pellet gun at the Stratford School. The suspect was taken into custody at his home on Garland Drive.
Why it matters
The incident occurred while the school held an active restraining order against the suspect. Authorities confirmed that no students were present on campus when the projectile struck a wall.
The 67-year-old suspect faces felony assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor charges for willful discharge of a BB device. He was arrested following a previous incident in September 2021 involving an air rifle at the same school.
The players
Stratford School
This private educational institution maintains campuses across California and enforces security protocols for its students and staff.
Palo Alto Police Department
This municipal law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within Palo Alto.
The details
Police allege the suspect fired the weapon while peeking over a fence that separates his residence from the Stratford School property. A staff member identified the suspect after hearing the projectile hit a wall.
Timeline
September 3, 2021: The suspect was previously arrested for firing an air rifle at the campus.
October 14, 2026, 7:10 a.m.: The pellet gun shooting occurred at the Stratford School.
Legal Context
This case follows a documented history of conflict between the suspect and the school, mirroring the legal pattern established by the September 2021 air rifle incident. Local authorities continue to utilize protective orders to manage recurring threats in residential areas.
Residents in the area surrounding the 800 block of Garland Drive should report any suspicious activity near the school fence line to local police. Anyone with additional information can contact the department at 650-329-2413 or use the anonymous tip line at 650-383-8984.
The takeaway
Schools often rely on protective orders to manage long-term disputes with neighbors that threaten campus safety. Residents living adjacent to school properties should be aware that discharging even non-lethal projectiles near campuses can result in felony assault charges.
Further reading
For more information on local investigations, visit the Palo Alto property crime section.
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Do you feel local authorities provide enough protection for schools against threats from neighboring private properties?
