NEWINGTON, Conn. – A 16-year-old Newington High School student accused in a plot to attack his classmates has been charged with manufacturing bombs, police said.
Frank Fechteler of Newington was charged late Wednesday with two counts of making bombs and ordered held on $500,000 bond, state prosecutors said. He was to be arraigned Thursday in New Britain Superior Court.
Police said they seized weapons from Fechteler's home after receiving a tip from a parent about the school attack plan.
Police credited parents from Canton for helping foil the alleged plot, which also involved explosives. One of the parents tipped off Canton authorities Monday after their teenage child told them about a "You Tube" Internet video of teens firing weapons and igniting explosive devices. Canton police then notified their counterparts in Newington.
Police said Fechteler underwent a psychiatric evaluation Tuesday night.
"We are extremely grateful that this parent took the important step," Newington Police Lt. William Darby said. "We believe this was a legitimate threat."
Police interviewed the students and learned that Fechteler, a junior, planned to carry out the assault in school. The investigation determined no other students were involved in the plot.
Parents of students identified as targets of the plot have been notified.
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