Armed Man At Scene Of Oregon High School Shooting Says He Was Trying To Protect Sister

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An armed man arrested at the scene of Tuesday's shooting at a Troutdale, Oregon, high school told police he had gone there to protect his sister.

Multnomah County authorities say 21-year-old Joseff Powell was seen going around a checkpoint where students were being searched after one Reynolds High School freshman killed another.

An affidavit filed by Deputy District Attorney Adam Gibbs says an officer stopped Powell and discovered a loaded handgun sticking out of his waistband.

According to Gibbs, Powell told a police detective he heard about the shooting and wanted to protect his younger sister. The affidavit says Powell acknowledged he does not have a permit to carry a concealed firearm and bringing the gun to school was "stupid."

Powell was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.