GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – Gaston County Police charged a 17-year-old with a felony for making a false report of mass violence on an educational property.
Investigators said Bazzle wasn't in possession of any weapons when he was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 18.
During Bazzle's first court appearance on Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Zach Holeve said Bazzle told classmates he was planning to shoot at least three teachers, shoot other students, and then kill himself.
"Later into the school day, he showed up in one of the named teachers classrooms. He didn't have class there," Holeve said. "The teacher didn't know this was going on, looked at him, [asked], "why are you here," and had him leave the classroom. I offer that to say, it's chilling."
A judge ordered Bazzle's bond remain at $250,000 due to the nature of the allegations and concerns about his mental health.
After the hearing, Bazzle's family and his attorney declined to comment on the case.
Forestview junior Cierra Heavner said she knew Bazzle from seeing him around campus and in her neighborhood.
"I did not think he would say anything like that," Heavner said. "It is scary."
Her mother, Lisa Morgan, is furious that school administrators didn't notify parents about the arrest until Wednesday.
"We were never informed that there was an issue," Morgan said. "The school was not put on lockdown. Our children were in danger possibly."
The following is a statement from Gaston County Schools:
“When the school became aware of the threat, the school resource officer was contacted and the police were involved to investigate the situation.
The police did an excellent job of working with the school to handle the issue and ensure safety. There were no problems at the school.
We take all threats seriously, and whenever there is a threat, we involve the police. We appreciate their efforts to ensure the safety of our students and employees.
Information about student discipline is not public information. However, according to our Student Code of Conduct, a student who makes a threat may face the following consequences: up to 10 days of out-of-school suspension, alternative placement, and/or long-term suspension.”