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October 25, 2000

Armed Teen Releases Arizona Elementary School Students

After a one-hour standoff at Pioneer Elementary School in Glendale, Ariz.,

an armed teenager surrendered to authorities, freeing a classroom of

elementary-school students and a teacher he was holding hostage, the

Associated Press reported Oct. 24.

The gunman was a former student at the elementary school. "He came here

with a purpose but thank goodness he didn't carry it out," said police

spokesman Matt Brown, who would not elaborate on the situation.

According to Brown, the teenager carried a 9mm handgun taken from his

father. The classroom was full of 13-year-old students when he entered,

but he gradually let students go. >>

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