School seizes sophomore with semi-automatic
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The student claimed he needed the semi-automatic handgun for his own protection, according to the sheriff's spokesman.
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SEATTLE, Washington (CNN) -- A high school sophomore was arrested Thursday at Evergreen High School after a sheriff's deputy and school officials confiscated a fully loaded MAC-10 machine pistol in his backpack, authorities said.
King County Sheriff's spokesman Kevin Fagerstrom said the student was handcuffed and charged with possession of a handgun and possession of a firearm on school grounds.
In addition, he was immediately expelled from school, said Highline Public Schools spokeswoman Catherine Carbone Rogers.
The 17-year-old student, who was not identified, had been called into the assistant principal's office after a school employee noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath, Fagerstrom said.
A sheriff's deputy who is posted at the school asked the teen to open his backpack, to see if it contained beer or liquor, Fagerstrom said. At first, he refused, so the deputy arrested the boy on suspicion of underage drinking.
At that point, the student indicated he was carrying the weapon.
When asked why he had the gun, he said he needed to carry it "for my own protection," Fagerstrom said.
"There's no indication that anyone else knew about the gun," Rogers said, "no indication that he had plans to use the gun or that there were threats made, or any feuds or fights that he was involved in."
The teen was initially charged as a juvenile, but a judge could move the case to adult court.
He could also face additional charges if it turns out the gun is stolen. The registered owner is not related to the suspect, Fagerstrom said.
