Arrest made after plans found for school shooting

Detectives continue investigating the events surrounding the Feb. 13 arrest of 18-year-old Joshua O’Connor in Everett, for attempted murder charges. O’Conner is suspected of planning and taking substantial steps toward executing a school shooting at ACES High School. Officers were alerted to O’Connor’s activities by his grandmother.

“This is a case where the adage ‘see something, say something’ potentially saved many lives,” said Chief Dan Templeman. “It is critically important for community members, to include students and parents, to remain observant and immediately report odd or suspicious behaviors with our children or with fellow students. We were fortunate that a family member believed there were credible threats and contacted law enforcement for further investigation. I’m sure the decision was difficult to make, but fortunately, it was the correct one.”

Detectives continue interviewing students and school administrators to gather more information about O’Connor and are following up on possible leads to gather more evidence in the case. During a search warrant served at the residence, detectives seized O’Connor’s journal, inert grenades, a cellular phone, and a High Point 9 mm carbine rifle. At this time, no additional information is available about the rifle.

Templeman emphasized that there are no known threats to any area schools at this time. However, out of an abundance of caution, a school resource officer has been temporarily assigned to ACES High School to provide additional security and police presence on the campus. The officer will also act as a liaison between school administration and detectives during the investigation.

During the first court appearance yesterday, bail was set at $5 million. Charging decisions are made by the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Everett Police Department TIP LINE at (425) 257-8450.

###

(Original Release: February 14, 2018)

EVERETT – An 18 year-old has been arrested after a journal was discovered detailing plans to shoot classmates in Everett.

At about 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, a grandmother called 911 to report what she believed were upcoming and credible threats by her 18 year-old grandson to shoot students at his high school. Officers responded to the 10600 block of Holly Dr, met with the grandmother, and were shown excerpts of the grandson’s journal. Officers were also told the grandson had a rifle stored in a guitar case. As officers reviewed copies of the journal, they were alarmed at the statements and detailed plans to shoot students and use homemade explosive devices at ACES High School (9700 Holly Dr).

With the information, officers contacted ACES High School to advise them of the threat and arrested the grandson at the school. During a search incident to arrest, officers found marijuana and a knife on his person. He was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on probable cause for attempted murder due to planning and taking substantial steps toward executing a school shooting.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit responded to the grandmother’s house where they served a search warrant to seize the journal, rifle, military styled inert grenades, and other evidentiary items.

News Releases are located at: www.everettwa.gov/EPDNews