South Portland, MN: A teenager from South Portland who is facing allegations of plotting a school shooting could potentially face trial as an adult.
A recent report by The Portland Press Herald highlighted how police introduced additional evidence during the hearing to decide if he will be tried as an adult.
Authorities discovered weighted body armor, Nazi flags, tributes to the Columbine gunmen, and multiple firearms during a search of his residence last year.
If he is tried as an adult, the charge of criminal solicitation to commit murder could result in a life sentence. The teenager entered a plea of not guilty.
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A 16-year-old’s home was raided by a law enforcement tactical team, leading to charges being filed against him. The police chief mentioned that the arrest may have prevented a potential attack in the community.
The police chief mentioned that his agency was alerted by a school resource officer at South Portland High School about a student who had made threats to cause harm to individuals and groups and had access to guns. The FBI was also part of the investigation, according to him.
Residents in the boy’s peaceful neighborhood were shocked on Wednesday night when the Southern Maine Regional SWAT Team showed up with officers in tactical gear and armed with rifles.
The raid resulted in the seizure of several rifles, which Ahern stated will prevent any planned actions.
The teenager may be charged with arson, criminal mischief, and theft, but specific details about the charges and threats were not disclosed due to his age. His father was taken into custody for obstructing the arrest, according to law enforcement.