16-year-old accused of high school shooting in Lacey was on probation at time; bail set at $500K

OLYMPIA -- The alleged gunman involved in the North Thurston High School shooting in Lacey made his first appearance in court Tuesday.

It turns out the 16-year-old suspect has a criminal history in King County and was on active probation for fourth-degree assault.

He’s now facing a slew of new charges, including theft of a firearm and bringing it to school.



The teenager sat quietly in the courtroom. The suspect is a minor so Q13 FOX News isn’t showing his face or identifying him by name.

Prosecutors said the teen could have injured many people in North Thurston High School when he fired two rounds Monday near hundreds of students. His first shot was fired into the ground.

“He faced the crowd, raised his weapon up and fired a second shot into the ceiling,” said the prosecutor.

The child’s defense attorney asked the judge to set bail at $100,000 but the judge disagreed, saying bail should be set much higher.

“There is a danger and threat to the community at this time and it’s appropriate that he be detained,” said the judge.

Q13 FOX News learned the suspect is already on probation after pleading guilty last November in King County to charges of groping two female students at Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines. He had just recently transferred to North Thurston High.

Prosecutors said he stole one of his parent’s guns and brought it to school fully loaded with hollow-point bullets. Police said the boy told them he didn't intend to harm anyone but himself.

The judge set bail at $500,000 and ordered the boy held until he completes a mental health evaluation.

The boy’s father said he’s very concerned for his son.

The teen is scheduled to be back in court later in May.