Former high school custodian in Oregon accused of planning ‘mass casualty event’

A former high school custodian in Oregon was arrested this week and accused of planning a “mass casualty event.”

Kristopher Clay is facing several charges in connection with the alleged plot, including second-degree attempted murder and attempted assault in the first degree, the Medford Police Department said in a Thursday statement.

Police said that Clay, who worked as a custodian at South Medford High School, arrived at their department’s lobby on July 20 and requested to speak with an officer. During the encounter, he told the officer that he was having homicidal thoughts and had plans to carry them out.

Authorities then began investigating and searched several locations in Jackson County. During the search, they seized ammunition, firearms, tactical gear and written material.

“The investigation indicated Clay made significant steps to carry out a mass casualty event,” Medford police said.

Clay was taken into custody on Wednesday just prior to his discharge from the behavioral health facility where he was staying.

Police Lt. Mike Budreau told reporters that the school, which no longer employs Clay, was “at least one of the targets,” CNN reported.

“The Medford Police Department would like to thank the many agencies involved in this case, and we are relieved a potentially catastrophic event was prevented,” officials said in the release.

Clay was also charged with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence.

He has no prior convictions but was prohibited from having a gun under a court order.