Audio By Carbonatix
Jared Cano, 17, has been arrested after law enforcement officials uncovered a plot to blow up his Tampa high school. Tampa Police Chief Janet Castor said the alleged plan could have been “a potential catastrophic event the likes of which this city has never seen.”
Cano might have been trying to outdo the 1999 Columbine tragedy.
The boy was expelled from Freedom High School last year for “inappropriate behavior.” He planned to get revenge by using pipe bombs that he hoped would kill at least 30 students, along with two administrators whom Cano specifically targeted.
Tampa Police were tipped off about the plot and received permission from Cano’s mother to search the boy’s room yesterday.
When news happens, Miami New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
There they found pipe bomb materials, a fuel source, shrapnel, plastic tubing, and timing and fusing devices. A journal detailing his plans was also uncovered, as well as some marijuana.
The journal included drawings of the school building, statements about his intent to kill, and a minute-by-minute plan of the attack.
Cano was arrested shortly after the search. The identity of the tipster has not been released.
Authorities believe Cano planned the plot alone, and his family is fully cooperating. Freedom High will open for the school year next week, and extra police officers will be on hand.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
