Until Friday, January 24, Bert Ford was employed by Patagonia to teach alternative education and social studies at the high school. He has been fired.
On January 18, under the influence of alcohol, he allegedly fired a handgun at his wife and just missed shooting her in the head. Santa Cruz County deputies responded to a call and arrested Ford for attempted first degree murder. Deputies booked him into the county jail. Their son took Mrs. Ford to his home in Cochise County.
The governing board voted unanimously to fire Ford. His teaching duties will be taken over by retired Patagonia teacher, Jim Schrimpf.
Meanwhile Santa Cruz County Attorney, George Silva, after weighing the initial facts, found insufficient evidence to support the initial murder charge. Ford has now been charged with aggravated assault, a class 3 felony and disorderly conduct, a class 6 felony. Silva said there may be other charges once the investigation is complete.
Ford is still in the county jail. He was a popular teacher, and news of his arrest disrupted the daily routine at the high school. Denise Blake, PUSD Supervisor and Superintendent, says, “We are very grateful to all our families and community members for their thoughtful supportive words and acts of kindness as we deal with these circumstances.”