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Student brings 'homemade flamethrower' to Otay Ranch High School

10News Exclusive Investigation
Posted at 5:02 PM, Apr 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-24 23:44:06-04

CHULA VISTA (KGTV) -- The 10News investigative team has confirmed that Chula Vista police are investigating a student who brought a homemade flame thrower to Otay Ranch High School.

The incident happened April 14 at the campus located at 1250 Olympic Pkwy. in Chula Vista. An official crime report for possession of a weapon at school was filed Monday, April 17.

Police told Team 10 that the student took the device to campus and showed it to other classmates, who then reported it.

Lt. Fritz Reber with the Chula Vista Police Department said the “homemade flamethrower” was “inoperable” and no other weapons were found on campus. He added that there is “no indication of any threats of violence.”

The 17-year-old senior has been suspended from school. He has not been arrested, sources tell Team 10. A case has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s office.

Team 10 asked the spokesman for the Sweetwater Union High School District about the incident after it happened on April 14. That day, SUHSD public information officer Manny Rubio denied the report calling it a rumor.

On Monday, Rubio said that when 10News first asked him for comment he wasn't aware of the situation, and wasn't able to substantiate it until a day or two later.

This is a developing story.  The 10News investigative team is working on gathering more information and will have a complete report tonight at 6PM.