Palo Alto Man Held Without Bail After Alleged Pellet Gun Shooting at Elementary Campus

Palo Alto Man Accused in Pellet Gun Incident at School

A 67-year-old Palo Alto man is being held without bail after allegedly firing a pellet gun toward an employee on an elementary school campus. The man, identified as Bradford Minkoff, faces multiple charges in connection with the incident that took place on October 14, 2026.

Chronology of the Elementary School Incident

The incident reportedly occurred at the Stratford School, located at 870 North California Avenue. According to the Palo Alto Police Department, a staff member said he was walking across the campus at approximately 7:10 a.m. when he heard a projectile strike a nearby wall. Upon investigating, the school employee observed Minkoff looking over a fence that separates the school from his residence on Garland Drive.

Previous History and Protective Orders

Palo Alto authorities noted that the staff member was already familiar with Minkoff due to previous “negative interactions.” Court records indicate that temporary restraining orders had been granted to the school against Minkoff in 2024 and again on October 8, 2026—just days before the most recent pellet gun shooting incident.

Past Reports of BB Gun Incidents on Campus

This is not the first time Minkoff has been associated with a projectile device on school grounds. In September 2021, he was arrested following allegations that he shot a Stratford School student in the back with a BB gun. It remains unconfirmed by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office whether formal charges were pursued for the 2021 bb gun shooting.

Law Enforcement Response and Arrest

Following last week’s incident, Palo Alto police contacted Minkoff at his home. He was taken into custody after a brief negotiation, officials reported. The law enforcement response resulted in Minkoff being charged with assault with a deadly weapon, a felony, as well as misdemeanor counts for willful discharge of a BB device with gross negligence, and violation of a protective order.

Criminal Arraignment and Upcoming Court Proceedings

Minkoff appeared in court for arraignment on October 16 and remains held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on October 26 to enter a plea related to the current assault charges and other alleged offenses. The situation has drawn attention to issues of school safety, particularly in cases involving recurring incidents and protection orders.

Source: kron4.com.