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Lancaster Teen Arrested For Plotting Attack On His Former High School
Authorities say that Diavauni James Crooms was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly planning an attack on Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, reports the L.A. Times. Crooms, 18, was a former student of the school.
In a release, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said that deputies were tipped off by a parent who'd reported that Crooms had made threats on social media. Deputies later conducted a search of the suspect's home on the 43400 block of Gadsden Avenue, where they allegedly found materials that could be used to make explosive weapons, as well as written material that detailed the suspect's plans.
Deputies say that Crooms intended to stage an attack on Antelope Valley High School at a future date, and that he was actively recruiting other members to join him.
According to Los Angeles Daily News, Crooms was transported to the Lancaster station jail, where he is being held on $1 million bail.
Authorities say that the school was never in any imminent danger, however. "The high school is currently on winter break, and there was no immediate threat or danger to any students or staff," said Deputy Yeni Deciga of the Sheriff's Department.