Oregon high school searched after boy caught in “Columbine style” plot

An Oregon teen has been arrested for allegedly planning a "Columbine style" attack on his high school, prompting officials to search the West Albany school for explosives with sniffer dogs before students return from the long holiday weekend.

The teen will be charged with aggravated murder, reported KCTV5, and will be charged as an adult. He'll also be charged with making a bomb, and with the unlawful possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to harm another person. 

"The charge of attempted aggravated murder requires that we prove that a substantial step was taken toward the completion of the crime," said Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson to ABC News.

Read more from GlobalPost: Ex-student arrested after Dutch school shooting threat

"In this case, we would be relying upon evidence of plan," added Haroldson to the news network. "Diagrams, checklists, a plan to use explosive devices and firearms to carry out a plan specifically modeled after the Columbine shootings."

The boy was taken into custody Thursday, according to the Albany Tribune, after being arrested at his home. Evidence of bomb-making was then found at the residence. 

Haroldson told Fox 12 Oregon that materials collected from the home included "plans checklists, diagrams, inspirations, sources and a focus on recreating the model of Columbine, with adjustments that would make it more successful."

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.