Tacoma's Stadium High School evacuated for homemade explosive

TACOMA, Wash. — Stadium High School in Tacoma was evacuated after a student brought a homemade explosive device to school, allegedly with the intention of blowing it up on New Year’s Eve.

The school was evacuated about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and students waited at the performing arts center across the street until police determined the buildings were secure.

Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum said it was a small mortar-type firework that had been wrapped in tape.   The boy forgot he had it in his backpack and it was found by a school security guard.

The school district said on its Facebook page the student was arrested.  District spokesman Dan Voelpel said the student was also expelled.

Classes have since resumed.

KIRO