Cops: Teacher tried talking to stabbing victim before attack

Police say a Poughkeepsie High School teacher attempted to start a casual conversation with a co-worker yesterday before lunging at her with a screwdriver. According to Poughkeepsie police, Ronette Ricketts stabbed fellow teacher Cynthia Glozier 17 times with a 6-inch Phillips screwdriver. They say the attack took place in the middle of the second-floor hallway between third and fourth periods. "Ms. Glozier said she didn't have time and would speak to her at the end of the day," said Detective Sgt. Walter Horton, of the city's police department. "And that was the extent of the dialogue." Police say the entire attack was caught on closed-circuit security video, and they have since confiscated the tape. Ricketts has been charged with assault and illegal possession of a weapon. She is due back in court next week.Cops: Poughkeepsie H.S. teacher stabs co-worker with screwdriver