North Carolina student found with guns in dorm planned to shoot up the school, documents say

Officials said Paul Arnold Steber, 19, was charged with two felony counts of weapons on educational property after a High Point University classmate reported him, WSOC-TV reported.

According to WGHP, university security found a Star Modelo Super 9mm and a Brownson, Slocom & Hopkins percussion shotgun Tuesday inside Steber's dorm.

After the initial investigation, officials said they found probable cause to also charge Steber with communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property.

Court documents show that during an interview with police, Steber admitted to plotting the shooting, had a plan and timeline to kill people and was deemed a threat to society.

Steber made his first court appearance on Wednesday. The plan is to hold him for 10 days without bond. During that time, he’ll have to have a mental evaluation.

School officials said he’s been banned from campus.

Statement from High Point University: 

Dear HPU family,

The safety and security of the HPU family is our top priority. As we begin a new school year, we experienced an unfortunate situation today.

While there is no immediate threat, we are informing you that this evening, students reported to HPU staff that another student had possession of two firearms. Due to the diligence of the students who reported this and the swift response of HPU security, the firearms were confiscated and the matter was turned over to the High Point Police Department. The owner of the firearms has been removed from campus.

North Carolina law prohibits any person, including a concealed handgun permit holder, from carrying a firearm, openly or concealed, on educational property or at a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public or private primary school, community college, college or university.

HPU Security and HPPD appreciate that students reported finding the firearms to HPU staff. HPU encourages students to follow the rule of "If you see something, say something."
Students and families can review HPU Security's safety tips anytime online by clicking here. If you have questions or concerns, please contact HPU Security at 336-841-9112.