Computer junkie a modest hero

Concordia student hailed for alerting police to teen's Internet threat to attack his U.K. school

Mar 21, 2009 04:30 AM

Andrew Chung
QUEBEC BUREAU CHIEF

MONTREAL – A Concordia University student who helped thwart a potential firebombing at a British high school is being recognized for his efforts on both sides of the Atlantic.

J. P. Neufeld was on an online forum Tuesday morning when he spotted a new posting entitled, "This is it," threatening to attack the school in Norfolk in the east of England. He immediately telephoned police there.

An armed 16-year-old was arrested Tuesday and detained.

Now, Neufeld is being hailed as a hero not only on the Internet, but Concordia will recognize him with a special certificate at its annual awards dinner April 2 for, as dean of students Beth Morey said, "having the courage to get involved."

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