A 19-year-old former student with a history of menacing social media posts was booked into Broward County Jail Thursday morning on charges of premeditated murder in the killing of 17 students and faculty at a Florida high school.
Nikolas Cruz, who had been expelled last year for fighting, returned to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., with a vengeance Wednesday, bolstered by a gas mask, smoke grenades and multiple magazines of ammunition and a semi-automatic weapon.
Authorities say he triggered a fire alarm in a building that normally serves freshmen students, then roamed the hallways — from the first floor to the third —.opening fire on students pouring into hallways.
It was the nation’s deadliest school shooting since a gunman attacked an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., more than five years ago.
Cruz, who is listed at 5-foot-7 and 131 pounds, was arrested a short distance from the high school near a home, a law enforcement official who is not authorized to comment publicly told USA TODAY.
Cruz, who is being held without bond, had tried to slip away by after the carnage by blending in with fleeing students, but was recognized by fellow teens who knew him for his quick temper and erratic behavior.
Flanked by officers, the suspect was later escorted into a police station wearing a hospital gown.
Sheriff's officials said in an email that Cruz was initially taken to a hospital for labored breathing before being questioned at sheriff's headquarters.
The 17 dead include students and adults, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said. Others were injured and taken to local hospitals, including at least 14 who were treated at Broward area medical centers.
A sheriff said the bodies of 12 of the dead, including a beloved coach who stepped in front of one spray of bullets to try to protect his students, were found inside the building.
Counselors were already being made available Thursday morning off-campus for the more than 3,000 students, teachers and staff at the school, which will remain closed as an investigation continues.
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said Cruz, had been expelled from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for “disciplinary reasons.”
Victoria Olvera, a 17-year-old junior, said the suspect was kicked out last school year after a fight with his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend. She said Cruz had been abusive to his girlfriend.
Source : usatoday
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