The Latest: Lawyer: Teen’s behaviour was a cry for help

FARMINGTON, Utah – The Latest on a Utah teen accused of firing a gun into a junior high before being stopped by his parents (all times local):

1 p.m.

The lawyer for a 15-year-old boy accused of firing a shotgun into the ceiling of a junior high classroom says the incident was a cry for help.

Defence attorney Lindsay Jarvis told reporters Thursday that the teen is undergoing a mental health evaluation. Jarvis says she’ll fight a request by prosecutors to try the boy as an adult.

A judge has not yet ruled on the request. The teen made a brief appearance in juvenile court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to five theft and firearms charges.

Police say his parents were concerned about him the morning of Dec. 1 and followed him to school in Bountiful, about 11 miles north of Salt Lake City, after discovering guns missing from their home.

No one was hurt. The Associated Press is not naming the boy because of his age.

___

11:15 a.m.

A Utah teenager accused of firing a shotgun into the ceiling of a junior high classroom before being disarmed by his parents has pleaded not guilty to five theft and firearms charges.

The 15-year-old boy made a brief appearance in a Farmington juvenile courtroom Thursday morning, sitting between his parents and his lawyer.

Defence attorney Lindsay Jarvis told Judge Janice Frost her client wanted to enter a denial of all charges, the equivalent of not guilty pleas in juvenile court.

Police say his parents were concerned about him the morning of Dec. 1 and followed him to school in Bountiful, about 11 miles north of Salt Lake City, after discovering a shotgun and handgun missing from their home.

No one was hurt. The Associated Press is not naming the boy because of his age.