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Last updated on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
(BLOOMINGTON) - In the days since the massacre of teachers and students in Newtown, there have been a number of copycat threats made in schools across the country.
Bloomington Police took steps to prevent a similar tragedy.
Officials at Bloomington High School South told police a male student allegedly told another student of his plans to "break the record," making reference to the 26 people killed in a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
The student told another student he had a gun in his locker and the shooting was going to take place Friday, December 21.
Bloomington Police Captain Joe Qualters says officials were unable to find a weapon in the student's lockers or backpack.
"One of our officers went and spoke with the individual, who was making references to the Connecticut shooting, somewhat disturbing comments, wanting to break the record," Qualters says.
Qualter says the student claimed he was "excited" when he heard about the Connecticut shooting and that he felt "powerful" when he had a gun in his hand.
"It was determined that the student did have access to various weapons at the home of his parents, but ammunition for those weapons was supposedly secured in a safe. The weapons were not owned by the student," Qualters says.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the student's residence and removed two rifles, two shotguns and two handguns, along with ammunition, from the home. Police are keeping the weapons in their possession during the investigation.
"The student who reported the alleged threats to school officials is to be commended for doing so. Sharing this type of information rather than downplaying or ignoring it is exactly what school officials and law enforcement have encouraged students to do to avert possible tragedies," Qualters says.
Police say it is imperative to take all threats seriously and commends the student who came forward with this information.
Qualters says the student was taken for an evaluation and police will consult with other agencies about charges.
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