Renton Student Arrested After School Fireworks Incident, Video

RENTON, WA — A 16-year-old boy faces potential felony charges after lighting off firecrackers inside a Renton high school, according to police. Officers were called to Hazen High School on reports of shots fired Tuesday afternoon and arrived to find students running for safety. Police said several students suffered minor injuries fleeing the school, including one person with a possible fracture to their hand.

Investigators found evidence of firecrackers, which were ignited in a school hallway.

According to a police spokesperson, detectives identified a student suspect and discovered he later posted a video on social media showing a random person firing an automatic rifle. Police said the caption contained threatening language that caused parents, students and school staff to worry for their safety.

The police department said extra officers were stationed around Hazen High School Thursday morning as a precaution.

In a letter to parents provided to Patch, Renton Schools said additional security measures were in place, including locking all doors beyond main entrances, monitoring surveillance, and talking to students about "concerning topics."

"We completely understand that the fear and anxiety that students and parents are feeling is very real," the district wrote.

Renton Schools said previously planned parent-teacher conferences would continue Thursday evening as planned.

Any student who witnessed the incident or has direct knowledge of what happened is asked to contact the school resource officer.

Investigators said the boy could face charges including felony harassment, reckless endangerment, malicious mischief and possession of fireworks inside city limits.