Boy returns to school after threat, suspension

-- Danette Goulet

A Corona del Mar High School ninth-grader who threatened to shoot and

kill a fellow student on a school bus last week will return to class this

week after serving a five-day suspension.

The boy reportedly had an argument Sept. 19 with a ninth-grade girl on

the afternoon school bus. He threatened to kill her, telling her that he

had a gun, said Newport Beach Police Sgt. Mike McDermott.

The next day, the bus driver reported the incident to a school

security guard. The guard passed on the information to the campus police

officer, who took the boy into temporary police custody.

Because no weapon was found when the boy’s backpack and locker were

searched, school officials felt expulsion was not necessary, said Corona

del Mar High principal Don Martin.

Although the student has no known history of violence, McDermott said,

police are thoroughly investigating the threat.

After investigating, school officials did not believe the boy intended

to carry out his threat, Martin said.