Colton Teacher Arrested On Suspicion Of Heroin Possession

COLTON (CBSLA.com) — A 29-year-old middle school teacher accused of possessing heroin was arrested Tuesday at a Colton school on drug charges, authorities said.

Colton police told CBS2's Tom Wait that a district employee had noticed suspicious behavior from the teacher in question before classes began on Tuesday, and alerted authorities.

When police arrived to Jehue Middle School in Colton, they approached Kylie MacKenzie, who allegedly confessed to using a narcotic before school.

"Our officers did believe he was under the influence of a narcotic and he was determined to have heroin in his possession," said Cpl. Ray Mendez of the Colton Police Department.

Police say they then seized the heroin and placed MacKenzie under arrest.

"The kids have to have noticed. They're older," said Monica Solorzano, a parent. "My son is in eighth grade. He's going to high school. With all this peer pressure going on, and then for a teacher to do it! That gets me so upset."

According to school officials, MacKenzie has been put on paid administrative leave.

MacKenzie is due in court on Thursday.