Southeast Missouri student accused of violent threats against school

MALDEN, Mo. -- School officials in Malden said a student who was pulled out of school Thursday was planning a violent assault.

Thursday afternoon, during the last period of the school day, a student was noticed writing in a notebook. The teacher confiscated the notebook and upon review, the student was escorted to the principal's office. The student's mother checked her child out of school.

High school administration determined the student was potentially planning an act of school violence and authorities were immediately notified.

Based on a statement by the Malden Police Department, the letter contained detailed information about violent acts that the students had intended to carry out against teaching staff, the school resource officer and fellow students.

At the time the information was found, the student was no longer on campus. He was found and taken into custody, and members of the Malden Police Department and the Dunklin County Sheriff's Department searched the 16-year-old's home. Additional literature written by the student as well as "obvious signs of violent acts" were found in his bedroom, authorities said. Two small explosive devices were located, and members of the ATF, the SEMO Bomb Squad and the Missouri Fire Marshal's Office took control of the scene. The explosives were removed and disposed of.

According to the police department, at no time were any students or staff in immediate danger. An extensive search of the school campus was performed and based on the investigation, no weapons or other devices have been on or near the campus.

Superintendent Ken Cook emphasized in a letter sent home to parents the following day that the security of the students and staff was the first responsibility of the district. He also commended the teacher for being vigilant in observing the student and realizing the situation was not normal and emphasized the importance of student observation and continuing to maintain door security.

An investigation is underway, and the student is in custody.

Pertinent address:

Malden, MO