
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 23, 1994                   TAG: 9404250148
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

STUDENT,16, CHARGED IN EXPLOSION AT SCHOOL

A 16-year-old student charged with possessing an explosive device at Patrick Henry High School was released on bond Friday.

The youth, who was not identified because of his age, spent the night at Coyner Springs Juvenile Detention Home before being arraigned in Roanoke Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

He is scheduled to be back in court for trial on May 11, according to Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Ann Gardner.

Authorities have said the youth allegedly set off a high-power firecracker - which had the power of one-fourth of a stick of dynamite - among a group of schoolmates Thursday morning. No one was seriously injured.

Police said the youth pulled the explosive from his backpack, lighted it and placed it on a sidewalk as students were changing classes near the school's library.

The student was charged with possession of a firebomb or explosive material or device, a felony that carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison. But if the case remains in Juvenile Court, a less severe punishment is more likely.

by CNB