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Homemade Bomb, Machete Found In Locker At Hammond School

Story Published: Jan 24, 2012 at 6:06 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 25, 2012 at 12:51 AM EDT

A 15 year old student was taken into custody at Hammond Central School Tuesday after officials said they found a homemade bomb as well as a machete inside his locker.

State police said the student, whose name was not released because of his age, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

According to police, the school principal notified authorities that rumors were circulating about an explosive device.

The school and its 325 students were locked down at approximately 2 p.m.

Officials searched a student's locker and found a fuse and a test tube filled with black powder, police said.

State police Lieutenant Scott Heggelke said the device would be capable of causing serious physical injury if detonated.

The student was released to his parents' custody.

District Superintendent Doug McQueer told 7 News the student's gym locker also contained a machete, a four-inch knife, drug paraphernalia and possibly marijuana.

McQueer described the student as "a good boy" and didn't believe the student had any intention of harming anyone.

However, he said the student will probably be expelled.

McQueer said Tuesday's events may have stemmed from an incident involving another school's sports team.

He said classes will be held as usual on Wednesday.

McQueer said he planned to speak with the student body about the lockdown during an assembly Wednesday.
Friday, May 24, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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