Anger erupts into spree that leaves 3 professors dead

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Robert Stewart Flores Jr. struggled as a nursing student at the University of Arizona. Classmates said he tangled with instructors and annoyed fellow students.

"He came across as very aggressive and mean and seemed to have a lot of issues with being angry," said Lori Schenkel, a fellow nursing student.

Authorities said Flores' anger boiled over Monday when he allegedly shot three of his professors to death during a rampage at the College of Nursing that sent dozens of terrified students diving for cover.

Officials said the 41-year-old Gulf War veteran had been carrying five handguns and at least 200 rounds of ammunition. After shooting the three staff members, Flores turned one of the guns on himself.

The suspect had threatened to blow up the building, police said. The college and nearby buildings were evacuated but no explosives were found.

Flores worked at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Tucson as a licensed practical nurse and was studying to become a registered nurse. Flores failed a pediatric nursing class and was struggling in a critical care class this term.