Lacey school shooter being held on $500,000 bail

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Bail has been set at $500,000 for a 16-year-old being held in Thurston County in connection with a shooting at a Lacey high school.

The Juvenile court commissioner found probable cause to hold the North Thurston High School student.

Police say the boy fired two shots in the air at North Thurston High School on Monday before government teacher Brady Olson tackled him and a few other staff members helped hold him down until officers arrived. The boy, a recent transfer to the school, reportedly told detectives he didn't intend to hurt any other students.

Lacey Police Commander Jim Mack said a school safety officer had his weapon drawn and was preparing to shoot the student when he was tackled.

“He’s very fortunate, because the officer was prepared to use his firearm at the school,” Mack said.

Mack said the student indicated he had personal and relationship issues, but declined to elaborate.

“He indicated that he didn’t want to hurt anyone else,” Mack said. “He wanted to hurt himself.”

The incident prompted the cancellation of classes Monday. Students returned to the school Tuesday morning.

Olson is expected to speak about the shooting on Tuesday afternoon.