Lacey high school student who fired gun on campus sentenced to up to 3 years



LACEY, Wash. (AP) — A 17-year-old who fired two shots at a Lacey high school will serve up to three years at a state juvenile detention facility.

The Olympian reports (http://goo.gl/4k8BUC ) the boy pleaded guilty to 12 felonies and two misdemeanors Wednesday in Thurston County Juvenile Court. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 to to 3 years in juvenile detention.

Earlier this month, prosecutors withdrew a motion asking that the teen be tried in adult court, citing a psychologist's evaluation.



The teen apologized to school officials in court, saying all he can do is accept the consequences of his mistakes and learn from what he did.

Authorities say no one was injured after the teen took his father's gun and shot at the ceiling at North Thurston High School on April 27.

Teacher Brady Olson has been credited with stopping the shooter by tackling him from behind.

No one was injured.

Prosecutors said the boy stole one of his father'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.

According to The Olympian, Judge Chris Wickham said that he felt like the lengthy sentence, which falls outside of the standard sentencing range, was appropriate because it would allow the boy to take advantage of treatment and mental health resources, while keeping him in a secure facility.
He is not being identified because he is a minor.