A judge refused to accept a guilty plea Wednesday from a Warren High School student accusing of bringing a gun onto campus earlier this year.
During a routine line of questioning, Washington County Common Pleas Judge Susan Boyer asked Bradley A. Divel, 19, of 2465 Graham Road, Cutler, if he had ever been hospitalized for a mental condition, or if he was experiencing any mental problems on Wednesday.
Divel, who was attempting to plead guilty to stealing a gun from his father and bringing it to the school, told the judge he has suicidal thoughts and has harmed himself by self-mutilation.
With that, Boyer stopped the hearing and set an August trial date on the charges. A not guilty by reason of insanity plea is expected to be filed by Divel's attorney.
"This just means he will have to undergo a mental evaluation so that we can find out where we are," said Assistant Washington County Prosecutor Ray Dugger.
Divel had been out on bond, but was taken into custody and held on $2,500 because he failed a condition of his bond, which was to maintain contact with his attorney.
Dugger said defense attorney Rolf Baumgartel had not been able to reach Divel and was unaware of any mental conditions, which could be a defense to the charges.
On Monday, Angelo V. Knox, 19, of 3558 School House Road, Little Hocking, pleaded guilty to receiving the gun from Divel on school grounds, a fifth-degree felony.
Knox faces up to a year in prison and will be sentenced Aug. 14.
Dugger said Knox sold the gun to Wesley D. Burrows, 20, of 1276 Moody Ridge Road, Vincent, for $40.
Burrows pleaded guilty May 29 to fifth-degree felony receiving stolen property and will be sentenced July 18.
Divel is charged with third- and fifth-degree felonies of theft and illegal possession of a weapon in a school zone.
Dugger said he offered to dismiss theft charges for a guilty plea for bringing a gun to school.
"That's the message we want to send," Dugger said. "That you can't bring a gun to school."
Once the insanity plea is filed, which must be done in writing, Divel will be evaluated and a ruling will be made on whether he is competent or able to assist in his own defense. It will likely be late August before such a determination is reached.
