SMYRNA, TN — A disturbing incident unfolded at Stewarts Creek Elementary School on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, when a reported confrontation between two educators escalated into a criminal investigation. According to Rutherford County Schools, Jill Marie Haynes, first grade teacher at the school, has been placed on unpaid suspension following allegations that she threatened another teacher during a classroom encounter.
James Evans, Chief Communications Officer for Rutherford County Schools, confirmed to WGNS News that the matter is being handled by the Sheriff’s Department and declined to comment further, stating, “The Sheriff’s Department is handling this investigation, and so I can’t comment on it. I can tell you Ms. Haynes has been placed on unpaid suspension.”
According to Detective Blake Shaw, Haynes allegedly followed the other educator into a classroom, blocked her exit, and reportedly brandished a paper cutter while making threatening remarks. Witnesses claim she said something akin to, “I’ll chop you up and send you to the emergency room.”
In a statement, Haynes said she “made a very poor joke about using a paper chopper,” Detective Blake said.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Haynes later that day. She was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment. Haynes was released on a $6,000 bond.
As the investigation continues, officials remind the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrest records and related information reported by NewsRadio WGNS and do not constitute proof of guilt or confirmation that a crime occurred.
