14-year-old boy threatens class with guns

MIAMI (AP) -- A 14-year-old boy returned from his locker on Tuesday with two guns, told his biology class "This is how we're going to do things" and pointed the loaded weapons in the air.<br><br>He

Tuesday, December 14th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MIAMI (AP) -- A 14-year-old boy returned from his locker on Tuesday with two guns, told his biology class "This is how we're going to do things" and pointed the loaded weapons in the air.

He put the guns down five minutes later, apologized and said he only wanted an end to others picking on him. No one was hurt.

The student, Richard Dalco, Jr. was excused from class at Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School to go to his locker. He returned with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and a black gym bag with a .25-caliber pistol and ammunition, said Miami Police Lt. Bill
Schwartz.

He pointed both loaded guns in the air and ordered teacher Heather Gillingham out of the room.

Gillingham initiated an emergency plan, where a secret code went out over the intercom system and a fire alarm went off.

While three teachers went to the classroom to talk with Dalco, the school's 500 students were evacuated to the gym where they prayed.

The teen was extremely agitated and told the teachers, "This is about respect," while pacing and waving the guns around, Schwartz said.

Eventually, Dalco let the 30 students go and put the guns down. Dalco apologized, said he didn't want to hurt anyone and needed
help, said Mary Ross Agosta, spokeswoman for Archdiocese of Miami.

Dalco was charged with possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, armed
kidnapping and aggravated assault. He was held at a juvenile assessment center.

Classes continued, though about 25 parents picked up their children early.