West Florida HS Teacher Suspended, Charged With Aggravated Assault

May 10, 2023

A West Florida High School social students teacher has been suspended following his arrest on a felony charge Tuesday night.

Jerrod Wade Novotny, 44, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The alleged incident happened last Thursday. A woman told Pensacola Police that he was drunk when he arrived at a track meet being held at Washington High School.  According to a report, that made her angry and she would not allow him to go to dinner at Olive Garden.

But, he arrived at the restaurant “belligerent and drunk”, the report states.

Later that night, she woke up to Novotny standing over her, pointing a handgun at her before hiding the gun behind his back, the report continues.

The victim provided Pensacola Police with a text message sent the following day:

“I want to let you know something, no need to discuss or anything. I was truly heartbroken about what you did for dinner. Absolutely broken. I then called your mom so that there can be no going back, The Gun was to shoot myself. I was going to do It, And you woke up. I thought I would never fall In love. And I am sorry. I understand you want to leave for however long. Chill. I am Not asking you back. I think separation is right. I am sorry I failed to”.

The Escambia County Public Schools issued the following statement:

“This is a law enforcement matter. ECPS will continue to cooperate with our local law enforcement partners. We will abide by Florida law related to the appropriate employment actions required of us. This individual is currently suspended, per these statutory requirements.”

Comments

9 Responses to “West Florida HS Teacher Suspended, Charged With Aggravated Assault”

  1. Concern citizen on May 11th, 2023 4:18 pm

    @ Pat Hill. I see your son has bonded out. You can probably talk to his bondsman or attorney for help or maybe your son will reach out to you and talk to you. My thoughts and prayers re with you and your family. Also the victim

  2. WF Grad on May 11th, 2023 3:18 pm

    Both of the Novotny’s were great teachers. I hate this for the both of them, and it makes me sad because Mr. Novotny was one of my favorites during senior year. I hope he can get the help he needs <3

  3. JS on May 10th, 2023 10:19 pm

    Where are your thoughts and prayers for the woman he drew a gun on?? This story could have been a murder-suicide if she had not woken.

  4. Christian sister on May 10th, 2023 5:21 pm

    @Pat, my sister in the Lord, I am holding you up in prayer. I trust other Christians are standing in the gap for you and your son as well. Your peace lies in the truth that the Lord loves your child even more than you. He has the power to work all this for good and the hard part is to stand still and know that our Lord is God Almighty. Peace beyond our understanding be upon you and yours.

  5. Praying on May 10th, 2023 4:42 pm

    @PatHill my heart is breaking for you, I can only imagine how you feel being so far away from your son at a time like this and being ill on top of everything. I wanted you to know that you, your son and your family will be in our prayers as well as the victim.
    God can heal him. I have witnessed Him do it in my own family. Just keep praying.
    The only thing that I could find is that your son’s bond is $5,000 and the court date is set at June 2, 2023 at 8:30 am
    I wish I could help. Please take care of yourself and God bless you

  6. WFHS Grad on May 10th, 2023 3:59 pm

    So sad. Mental health does matter! He is an awesome teacher and praying for all involved.

  7. Citizen on May 10th, 2023 3:53 pm

    Looking at the jail’s website, it says he has a court date of June 2 at 8:30 am. I hope this helps. He is in my family’s prayers.

  8. Jr on May 10th, 2023 3:36 pm

    @ Miss Pat…first of all, I’m praying for your medical issues. 2nd, you can go on Escambia County Clerk of Court website and get all of his court information. Hope this helps you and I’m praying for you as well as your son in this

  9. PatHill on May 10th, 2023 3:16 pm

    I am Jerrod’s mother. I am in Nebraska. I have been very sick. I cannot fly because I am still using oxygen and I am still not able to drive right now. Can you give me info on results of his arraignment?. I know I won’t be allowed to talk to him, but my prayers and love are there. My hope is he will be required to check in a treatment center. Thank you.

  FNBT