St. Louis Park High bolsters security after gun rumor

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: October 5, 2007 - 8:29 AM

A rumor this week of possible violence at St. Louis Park High School spun out of control when it was broadcast over text messages, cell phone calls and the Internet, causing school and police officials to post extra security at the school Monday and Tuesday.

"We checked it out and there was nothing to it," Principal Rob Metz said. "It was just a rumor."

Metz said police were unable to determine the source of the rumor or whether it had anything to do with a fight that broke out after school last Friday. Nine students were suspended from school for a week and two may face misdemeanor criminal charges.

The fight erupted outside the school doors among friends who were arguing over a girlfriend, Metz said. There were no injuries. Metz said a rumor that someone planned to bring a gun to school began popping up in cyberspace on Sunday night. After police investigated, school officials sent an automated phone message to students' homes at 6:30 a.m. Monday, informing parents about the rumor and the investigation that determined it wasn't credible.

Mary lynn smith

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