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Washington School Shooting Suspect Held On $500,000 Bond

Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network
TV news cameras in Thurston County Juvenile Court recorded an attorney and the 16-year-old boy who is accused of firing two rounds at North Thurston High School in Lacey, Washington.

A juvenile court commissioner found probable cause Tuesday to hold the 16-year-old accused of a shooting at North Thurston High School in Lacey, Washington.

Likely charges include bringing a weapon to school grounds, felony harassment, unlawful discharge of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm and theft of a firearm.

The suspect is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Thurston County Deputy Prosecutor Wayne Graham said the boy brought a loaded .357 Magnum revolver loaded with hollow-point bullets from home to school in a duffel bag Monday. He then allegedly fired into the concrete of the stairwell by the gym, walked to the school commons, faced a crowd of about 500 students and fired into the ceiling. He was tackled by teacher Brady Olson. No students or staff were shot but Graham said several students were injured in the process of escaping.

The suspect wore a grey juvenile detention sweat suit to the hearing. He kept his head down for most of his court appearance and did not speak.

His parents were also in the courtroom. On their way out they said that he’s doing OK but that they’re concerned for him. When reporters asked if the had comments for the school or the town they said no.

The suspect is already on juvenile probation. He will remain detained and is scheduled to have a mental health evaluation.

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."