A Kenosha school district staff has thwarted a possible shooting at an elementary school after they stopped a 13-year-old boy who attempted to enter the premises while carrying suspicious bags.
Investigators said the suspect, whose identity was not released to the public, attempted to enter Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha carrying two suspicious bags. The staff confronted the teen in the entryway, which led to the 13-year-old fleeing the school into a nearby neighborhood.
Staff members promptly placed the elementary school on a "secure hold" until authorities arrested the teen just after 2 p.m.
Was the Teen Carrying Firearm?
Following an investigation, Kenosha police did not indicate whether there was any weapon on the teen when he attempted to enter the elementary school. However, they said they believed firearms were inside the bag at the time.
"We believe that this was actually an armed suspect with a firearm, and there was no legitimate reason to enter the school," Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said at a news conference, as quoted by NBC News.
They also noted that the teen had taken videos of him practicing "rudimentary techniques" with a rifle. Police also found multiple internet searches related to school shootings.
Investigators conducted a search of the teen's home, where they found replica handguns and a replica rifle. There were no real firearms located during the search.
During interviews with the detectives, the 13-year-old said he went to the elementary school to "sell candy." It was noted that the teen later told social workers that he had the "intent to scare students."
Detectives said the teen's mother has been "cooperative" throughout the investigation.
What Happens to the Teen Now?
The teen, who attends Mahone Middle School but was formerly a Roosevelt Elementary School student, has been arrested by police. He will also be charged with one count of making "terroristic threats," the police department said in a statement posted on Facebook.
The teen is expected to make an appearance in juvenile court. Proceedings in the court will be confidential, as reported by The Associated Press, citing information from Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Gravely.
