Union County Deputies Find Weapons, ‘Hit List’ In Student’s Bookbag

MARSHVILLE, NC — Deputies say a tip led to the discovery of several weapons and a ‘hit list’ in the bookbag of a Forest Hills High School student Tuesday.

According to reports, several knives, a bottle of flammable liquid, fireworks, a dismantled shotgun shell, and a ‘hit list’ were found inside the student’s bookbag by the School Resource Officer.

Union County Public Schools released the following statement on the situation:

“Keeping students safe is always a priority for Union County Public Schools. We are thankful for our partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and want to commend deputies for their immediate response to this matter. We take every threat seriously and staff will continue to work to keep all schools safe. All families at Forest Hills High School have been notified.”

School officials also say that there will be an increase in officers at the school tomorrow as a precaution.

Officials say the tip came from a Canadian law enforcement agency and was received by the NC State Bureau of Investigation’s ISAAC (Information Sharing and Analysis Center). According to a release, the tip said that chat room discussions involving a Forest Hills student were found that mentioned an intent to ‘stab’ several kids at school on Tuesday, May 9.

Deputies say the suspect is under the age of 16, so the identity of the student will not be released. Criminal charges are also forthcoming.