HS guard arrested for allegedly stealing chemicals

WALTHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- A 23-year-old security guard at Waltham High School was arrested after he was accused of stealing flammable chemicals from the school’s chemistry storage room.

Investigators say the guard stole iron powder, aluminum powder, wires and an emergency battery normally used to jumpstart a car from a chemistry closet. These chemicals can be used to make a bomb.

Police said Holland admitted to stealing the items from the school’s chemistry room and he knew the items could make a bomb, but he only wanted to throw them in a fire pit to see what would happen.

Students at the school said they feel betrayed.

“It’s crazy. Never thought something at this school would happen,” said Keith Webb, a student.

Waltham's mayor admits she's shocked to hear of a security guard accused of stealing such serious items from the school he was supposed to be guarding.

"Very, very concerned. That's what you hire a security company to do," said Jeannette McCarthy, Waltham Mayor.

Holland was arrested after an officer saw his car idling in a shopping plaza parking lot around 1 a.m. Investigators said they searched his car and found a hatchet and a stun gun in the front seat. In the trunk they found iron powder, aluminum powder, magnesium and an emergency battery.

Holland is being held pending a dangerousness hearing Friday.