School Shooting Plot Thwarted In Fullerton; Two Students In Custody: Police

FULLERTON, CA — A plot between students overheard discussing "shooting up" Troy High School in Fullerton led to the arrest of two 16-year-old male students Wednesday, according to Fullerton Police.

When a concerned parent overheard a group of students discussing a possible plot to "shoot up" the high school at a girls soccer game Tuesday evening, she reported it to the school's resource officer at 9:30 a.m. the following morning, according to Fullerton police Sgt. Jon Radus.

The initial investigation indicated the two boys had indeed made statements similar to those reported and also had searched online as recently as Tuesday for information about school shootings — including the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado that killed 12 students and a teacher — and weapons, "in preparation for their plot," Radus said.

If You See Something, Say Something.

The parent who heard the exchange took a picture of the two students and provided information to a Fullerton Police Department school resource officer the following morning.

The Troy High School resource officer officer was told the boys "discussed their plans to 'shoot up' the school in a manner 'bigger than Columbine,"' Radus said. "They were also overheard discussing different types of firearms and the firearms' effectiveness for use during the shooting."

Upon receiving the information and photo, the resource officer contacted school administrators and officials with the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Radus said.

"The two students were identified from the photos and they were contacted on school grounds by officers," he said. "The students did admit to making those statements."

Both boys were detained for making criminal threats and conspiracy to commit a felony and have been released to the custody of Orange County Juvenile Hall, he said. Search warrants were written and served Wednesday at multiple locations in Anaheim.

"This is an excellent reminder that if 'you see something, say something,"' Radus said. "We are confident that this particular woman saved an untold number of lives."

As of Thursday, the two students remain in juvenile hall and could face multiple charges. No weapons have as of yet been found in searches, according to Radus.

Informing Parents of Troy High School Students:

In a letter sent to students, William Mynster, the Troy High School Principal stated:

(Wednesday) morning, Troy High School Administration was made aware by concerned parents about a conversation they overheard during Tuesday’s girls’ soccer game at Troy High School. Three students were overheard by parents discussing school shootings at length. The students discussed searching for guns and made a threat of having the worst school shooting. There were enough details shared to cause great concern and the parents reported it to Troy’s School Resource Officer.

During the School Resource Officer’s investigation, additional details came out. Importantly, there were no specific threats relating to the school, students, or staff. The Fullerton Police Department is actively involved and continues to investigate this matter. Police have two of the students detained and their parents are being notified.

The Police will continue their investigation to ensure the students do not have access to weapons. It is important to note, that no students were in danger and all students remain safe.

As the investigation continues and additional information becomes available, parents, students, staff members, and community will be informed.

Further Investigation:

Anyone with information that could assist in the ongoing investigation was urged to call (714) 738-3156 to speak with the school resource officer.

Information can be submitted anonymously by calling Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

Troy High School Photo