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Tim Nelson
St. Paul, Minn.

Hastings student admitted he tried to shoot, but gun malfunctioned

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Dakota County authorities say an eighth grader who brought a gun to the Hastings Middle School on Monday admitted he tried to fire the weapon, but it malfunctioned.

Deputy County Attorney Phillip Prokopowicz says witnesses at the Hastings Middle School believe they heard the student pull the trigger on the gun as he pointed it at school staff, but the gun didn't fire.

Investigators found that the teenager had tried to put what is known as 22-caliber "long" ammunition in a gun meant for 22-caliber "short" ammunition. Investigators found only three shells, including one discarded in a school bathroom.

The 14-year-old boy, who has not been identified, has been charged with five felonies -- three counts of second degree assault as well as a charges of making terroristic threats and damage to property. Prosecutors have asked to have him tried as an adult.

He is being held in the Dakota County Juvenile Detention facility.