Panther Creek student arrested, had 'hit list'

Police said that on Oct. 5, Kenneth Halker, 17, of Apex, was suspended from school after he assaulted a girl in the cafeteria.

The following day, Halker sent a text message to a male classmate that read “you’re number five on my list.” He then took to Twitter, where, according to a search warrant, he said that he had a hit list, is reckless and planned to return to school with a gun.

A search of social media accounts believed to belong to Halker also showed a photo on Snapchat that depicted two AR-15 assault rifles surrounded by multiple piles of ammunition for various guns. The photo also showed a ballistic vest with rifle ammunition pouches attached and multiple knives. The comment below the Snapchat image asked followers if they thought the threats were just a game.

Halker's father, Ben Halker, stated Tuesday evening that the Snapchat account that the photo was posted to did not belong to his son.

On Oct. 8, Halker was arrested at his home and surrendered his phone to officers. During an interview with police, Halker told them he had been jumped by five male students and those were the people to whom he referred on his hit list. He also stated that he had been depressed and felt like “it was him against the world.”

On Wednesday, Halker's mother said that her son was not depressed.

Ben Halker stated that his son has been the victim of attacks and threats in the past. He also said that his son never had any intention to hurt anyone.

Halker’s father told police that he did keep firearms in the home, but that they were locked away in a safe, and he did not believe his son knew the passcode.

Halker was charged with simple assault and communicating threats. He is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 10.