http://www.kctv5.com/story/29620831/man-caught-casing-shawnee-mission-west-high-allegedly-had-piles-of-gunsOVERLAND PARK, KS (KCTV) -
A mentally troubled former Shawnee Mission West High School student was caught casing the school and piles of shotguns and rifles were found in his bedroom, according to district officials.
Zachary Perry, 19, who graduated last year, was charged Thursday with aggravated criminal threat.
John Douglass, who leads public safety efforts for the school district and is former police chief for the Overland Park Police Department, said more than 600 students are attending summer school this week and he believes a school shooting was likely prevented.
"This was a very serious situation," Douglass said.
Two students contacted campus security Wednesday morning after the 19-year-old allegedly threatened him. Once they were on guard for him and closed off the school, authorities captured him seemingly casing the school on Wednesday. This included spotting him on surveillance video.
Police then arrested the man across from the school. Once officers went to the area home where Perry was staying, Douglass said officers found numerous rifles and shotguns piled up in his bedroom. The weapons belonged to his grandfather.
The teen is troubled and has experienced tragic situations in his life, Douglass said.
He said the district's systems to prevent violence worked this week. Parents were notified on Thursday.
"I commend the students who recognized the concern and made the report," according to a statement from Eddie LyDay, director of the summer school program. "We appreciate our police partners for their assistance in keeping our school and community safe."
The school is located at 8800 W. 85th St. in Overland Park. Perry had just returned to the area from Texas.
