SAN MATEO, Calif. (AP) - Police have detained a man who allegedly threatened to shoot up a school while trying to buy a gun at a Northern California sporting goods store.
KGO-TV reports Tuesday that police in San Mateo, California placed the man in protective custody on Monday after he admitted to making the threat.
Officers took the man to a hospital for a mental health evaluation and threat assessment after he told police he was joking and apologized.
Police say a customer overheard the man tell an employee at a Big 5 Sporting Goods store he wanted to buy a gun and shoot up a school. The employee did not sell the man a gun.
Authorities increased security at schools in the area but felt there was no immediate danger.
___
Information from: KGO-TV.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.