More charges likely against teenager charged with shooting at Atlantis Beach Baptist College
A teenager who allegedly fired multiple shots at a school, hitting a classroom while teachers and students ducked for cover, is likely to face a higher charge.
The 15-year-old boy, whose name cannot be released for legal reasons, was brought before Perth Children’s Court via video feed from custody on Tuesday.
The court was told an application for bail could not be heard as the teenager was awaiting a psychiatric evaluation at Banksia Hill Juvenile Prison.
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He faces multiple charges in connection with last week’s incident at Atlantis Beach Baptist College in Two Rocks, some 70km north of Perth.
These include firing a firearm to incite fear, possession of a prohibited weapon, and illegal activity with intent to cause harm.
Prosecutor Brad Hollingsworth said Tuesday it was “very likely” the boy would also face at least two counts of the more serious offense of endangering the life, health or safety of others.
Hollingsworth indicated any bail request would likely be denied and said the indictment would include a transcript of a Triple 0 call allegedly made by the former student.
Other materials included communications between the boy and his friends and statements from teachers involved in the incident.
Judge Alana Padmanabham remanded the teenager.
He is scheduled to undergo a psychiatric evaluation on Wednesday morning and is scheduled to return to court later in the day to hear his request for bail.
Police claimed the boy fired three shots at the school from a parking lot with two rifles while he was in a vehicle.
The incident forced the school to close as students and teachers hid in a storage room.
Forensic scientists were seen analyzing two bullet holes about five meters apart in the side of a collapsible classroom.
One was above an external door and the other next to a window with an unobstructed view of a 30m wide leafy courtyard adjacent to the parking lot.
Body worn camera footage showed officers called to the scene took the boy into custody without incident.
The school shooting is believed to be the first of its kind in WA.
