Smithfield, Va. - Two Smithfield High School students, ages 14 and 15, were arrested Wednesday on a number of charges, including the possession of fire bomb materials.
According to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office, last week a Smithfield High student overheard the 15-year-old ask another student where he could obtain a gun.
The student reported it to his parents, who had him inform authorities at school.
School personnel notified the Sheriff’s Office that same day, May 1st.
Sheriff’s investigators searched the home of the 15-year-old suspect and recovered:
- approximately 100 rounds of 45 caliber ammunition
- a water bottle (approximately 16-oz) filled with gasoline
- a small container of what appeared to be gunpowder
- fuses
A search of the 15-year-old’s cell phone led to the discovery of the 14-year-old suspect’s involvement. A search of that student’s home recovered:
- copper piping
- gunpowder
- other components consistent with a homemade weapon
Other evidence collected at the suspects’ homes connected them both with a break-in of an unoccupied home in the 8600 block of Old Stage Highway. The exact date of that theft is not known.
Text messages between the suspects discussed the use of certain household items for the purpose of making fire bombs.
The 15-year-old has been charged with: one count of Enter property with the intent to destroy, one count of Destruction of property, one count of Conspiracy, one count of Grand Larceny, three counts of Manufacture, possession, use of fire bombs or explosive materials or devices, one count of Trespass.
The 14-year-old has been charged with: one count of Enter property with the intent to destroy, one count of Destruction of property, one count of Conspiracy, one count of Grand Larceny, one count of Manufacture, possession, use of fire bombs or explosive materials or devices, one count of Trespass, one count of Possession of burglary tools.
Sheriff’s investigators say they found absolutely no threat directed at Smithfield High School or its students.
Though the initial information was received at school, the investigation revealed only external and non-school-related criminal activities.
Both teens were arrested without incident Wednesday evening. Both will be held in detention for a court hearing in Southampton County Thursday morning.
They say the school was never in any danger.
Students told NewsChannel 3 that rumors were going around the school about what happened.
Officials told teachers what happened so they were able to answer students' questions. They say a note was sent home to parents and there was extra security today.
