Two teenagers were arrested earlier this week for conspiring to open fire at a high school prom in Virginia, according to police.
A 17-year-old male and Michael Coleman, 18, face charges on planning to carry out an attack Saturday, June 9, at Bayside High School’s prom at a Westin Hotel in Virginia Beach, Police Chief Jim Cervera said Monday according to CNN.
The investigation into the planned attack began May 30 when Virginia Beach Police were tipped off about people not associated with the school trying to buy tickets to go to its prom. Police also learned that Coleman, the 17-year-old who has not been identified, and possibly others were staying at the Westin Hotel.
There were also reports that Coleman had been making threats towards unknown individuals.
Cervera said police developed a “robust” security plan for the prom following reports of the threat.
On Saturday night an officer saw Coleman fleeing the hotel. As Coleman ran, police saw him throw down a handgun, Cervera said.
Afterwards, Police obtained a warrant for Coleman’s hotel room and found the 17-year-old suspect with a .45 caliber semi-automatic rifle with numerous rounds of ammunition. Coleman was arrested for an unrelated firearm charge in Norfolk, Va.
Coleman faces charges for carrying a concealed weapon and conspiring to commit a terrorist attack. The 17-year old was charged with conspiracy to carry out terrorist threats and is accused of juvenile possession of a firearm.
“We would like to thank the members of the community that provided the information that led to these arrests,” Virginia Beach Police said in a statement Monday. “We would to assure the public that the Virginia Beach Police Department and Safe Schools take seriously all actual or perceived threats to our schools.”
