By Gia Vang

EUGENE, Ore. -- Eugene Police say Bethel area schools are safe Monday despite a rumor that a teen threatened he was going to bring a gun to a high school for protection last week.

Sgt. Mike Galick said the police caught up with the teen at a nearby apartment complex after they responded to a gun shot.

The teen's friend ended up accidentally shooting another friend.  Galick said the 16-year-old former Willamette High School student told his grandpa he was upset about other kids at school. They say he intended to bring a gun to the school for protection. The teen's grandpa called police after noticing his gun was missing.

They said the stolen weapon never made it close the school, but they can't afford to take any chances.

"I can't tell you whether it's true or not, but the reality is that in this day and age, you can't afford to take the risk of oh, he's just joking or I can't believe he'd really do that or we're gonna let it go," Galick said.

Galick said the victim's parents decided not to press charges.