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Cache of weapons found in Vadnais Heights home after student threat

Published  March 3, 2018 12:48pm CST
U.S.
FOX 32 Chicago
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VADNAIS HEIGHTS, Minn. (KMSP) - The search of a Vadnais Heights home Friday after a student made a threat led to the discovery of a cache of firearms, ammunition and explosives, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.

According to the press release, Thursday, a parent made a report that a student had received a threat from another student at the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture. Ramsey County deputies obtained a search warrant. On Friday, they searched the home of the 13-year-old student who made the threat.

When deputies arrived at the home, the 13-year-old boy was found home alone. Inside the home, officials found a cache of firearms, ammo, at least one ballistic vest and explosive device. Some of the weapons were unsecured and the boy had direct access to them.

"I want to let you know about a potential tragedy that was averted in our community," said Serier. "It was averted by doing exactly what we advocate each day here at the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. If you see something, please say something to local law enforcement."

Both parents have been arrested on suspicion of gross misdemeanor negligence storage of a firearm. They are in custody at Ramsey County Jail. The boy is also in custody.

Officials do not believe there is a threat to the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture or its students at this time.

The executive director of AFSA High School, Becky Meyer, sent a message to parents notifying parents of the situation. She said the reported incident happened between a group of seventh and eighth grade students.

"This is a stressful situation, students may be experiencing anxiety and a sense of personal risk," said Meyer in the email. "We encourage parents to talk to their children about fear and violence. I want to reassure you that the safety of our students and staff is the top priority at AFSA." 

The home is still being searched by deputies, members of the St. Paul bomb squad and ATF agents.

The case is still under investigation.