MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake High School student was arrested after allegedly telling a teacher he had thoughts of hurting other people.

The 17-year-old male subsequently denied wanting to hurt anyone when interviewed Wednesday afternoon by school counselors and law enforcement personnel, according to Moses Lake police.

Following the interview the school reportedly issued an emergency expulsion for the student and he was escorted off campus.

Suspended or expelled students are automatically trespassed from district property, according to Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Sands.

After school was out for the day the student reportedly entered the classroom of the teacher he had confided in, saying nothing and fleeing when the teacher confronted him.

Police arrested the student at his home Thursday morning, Sands said.

Moses Lake High School Principal Joshua Meek said the student did not have clear plans or specific people in mind whom he wanted to harm, but exhibited "dangerous thought patterns."

The district decided it would be in the best interest of the student and others at the school if the matter was turned over to Moses Lake police and Grant County Mental Health personnel, Meek said.

Considering the circumstances, district Secondary Executive Director Dave Balcom said the high school's teachers and administrators followed the rule book.

"It's standard protocol when a student confides or shares information such as this with a teacher we like to err on the side of safety," he said.