Alabama teen accused of plotting to bomb classmates

SEALE, Ala. (AP) An eastern Alabama high school student faces an attempted assault charge after authorities say he planned to use homemade explosives in a terrorist attack on fellow students at his school.

Authorities say 17-year-old Derek Shrout, a student at Russell County High School in Seale, is to appear at a Monday afternoon court hearing in Russell County.

Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor tells WTVM-TV that a journal found by a teacher and turned over to authorities outlined the plans and named six students and one teacher.

Taylor tells the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer that a search of Shrout's home found several small tobacco cans and two large cans, all with holes drilled in them and containing pellets. Taylor said the devices were just "a step or two away from being ready to explode."