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Police Seize Arsenal From Home Of Student After Reported Threat

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Federal agents are seizing dozens of guns and bombs from the home of a student who threatened another student, police say.

According to the Ramsey County Sheriff's office, police discovered the cache of guns, ammunition, at least one explosive and a ballistic vest Friday at the home of a 13-year-old boy in Vadnais Heights. Investigators say he threatened another student from the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture. That student told a parent, who relayed the threat to law enforcement.

The school sent a note home to parents saying the incident involved a group of 7th and 8th graders.

Officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the St. Paul Bomb Squad are seizing the weapons from the home, which the Ramsey County Sheriff says were unsecured and easily accessible to the 13-year-old.

Lisa and Christopher Stowe
Lisa and Christopher Stowe (credit: Ramsey Co. Jail)

Officers arrested the two parents -- 41-year-old Christopher Stowe and 40-year-old Lisa Stowe -- on suspicion of misdemeanor negligent storage of a firearm in the presence of a minor. The 13-year-old was arrested, too, but won't be named due to privacy laws and his status as a juvenile.

"Shocked" is not the word neighbor Julie Berrisford says she would use in describing her reaction.

"It seems sad, I guess, in the wake of events, especially with a lot of the recent shootings," she said. "I guess I can't say that I'm suprised one way or another, it's just unfortunate to hear about."

Ramsey County Sheriff Jack Serier is encouraging everyone to take any threats seriously. He also hopes the arrest of the boy's parents sends a strong message to gun owners with children.

"It is the responsiblity under law for all adults who have guns in their homes to keep them secure and away from minors," he said. "To not do so invites tragedy."

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