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Baltimore County Police Thwart Planned Attack At Carver Tech In Towson

COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- A deadly plan to attack a Baltimore County high school has been foiled.

Tracey Leong has more on what led police to this discovery.

This started as a routine investigation but police quickly learned it was far from that when a 16-year-old from Monkton told them he had explosive devices and wanted to kill people.

A plot for a high school massacre has been disrupted by police.

Officers were questioning 16-year-old Sash Alexander Nemphos for multiple car break-ins when he opened up about his deadly plans.

"He not only discussed his desire to conduct an act of violence but he actually had the tools to do it," said Elise Armacost, Baltimore County police.

The Carver Center for the Arts and Technology sophomore admitted his school was the target, showing officers a handgun and explosive devices.

Nemphos is being charged as an adult with destructive device, dangerous weapon on school property, three counts of theft and handgun possession.

We spoke to some of Nemphos' neighbors and they say they're shocked he had the potential to carry out a deadly plan.

"I've seen him playing and he didn't seem like he was capable of doing something like that," said neighbor Russell Frazier. "I guess these days, you never know."

But people working in the suspect's hometown say he often got into trouble.

"Come by and occasionally try and steal candy from us, even try and pickpocket things and walk out with them," said Mike Oates, who works in Monkton.

Police and school officials are both fortunate Nemphos was caught early.

"Happily in this case, we saw there was trouble on the horizon and we were able to stop it before it occurred," Armacost said.

"Always brings the reality of the situation, the society we live in," said Dale Rauenzahn, executive director of school safety. "We have to take these things seriously."

Parents were notified by email and phone. Nemphos is being held at a Baltimore County detention center without bail.

Police believe the student acted alone.

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