Parents say the 16-year-old is “good kid”
The parents of a young man accused of brandishing a weapon at a Regina Christian high school say he’s a “good kid.”
The 16-year-old, who made a brief court appearance Wednesday, allegedly brought a pellet pistol to Luther College. He faces five charges including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, forcible confinement and uttering threats. The teen’s parents have refused to comment, but outside the courthouse lawyer Brad Tilling said they’re “terribly concerned about him.”
“They’ve told me that they would like people to know that he is a good kid and obviously there was some difficulty the other day. There’s apparently quite a story behind that which may come out later, but basically they want people to know … this is an aberration,” said Tilling.
“They’re more shocked than anyone.”
The teen was quiet, talking only briefly with his lawyer, during Wednesday’s court appearance. The case was adjourned without a plea until Tuesday, so lawyers can get more information from the investigation.
Tilling said the young man understands the seriousness of the charges against him.
“He seems OK. It’s been quite an ordeal for him and everyone else involved. We’re just wanting to get the whole file from the Crown so we can all sit down and have a look at it and decide which way to go.”
Students returned to Luther College Wednesday, a day after they fled the building in terror.
A youth, who students said had been expelled from the school, barged into morning prayers and held a pastor at gunpoint while forcing him to read a letter.
More than 450 students sat terrified on the stands in the chapel, which is also the school’s gym, before many were able to escape. Police, including a SWAT team, converged on the school after receiving a 911 call.
Inside, principal Mark Anderson was able to wrestle the weapon away from the suspect, once he realized it was a real handgun.
-with a report from CP