Crime & Safety
11-Year-Old Boy Threatened School Shooting: Pinellas County Sheriff
An 11-year-old boy told another student that he was planning a shooting at Pinellas Park Middle School, the sheriff's office said.
PINELLAS PARK, FL — An 11-year-old boy was arrested and charged with making written threats to kill or conduct a mass shooting, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Though the agency released the student’s name, it’s Patch’s policy to not name those charged in the juvenile court system. It’s not clear whether the boy was charged as a juvenile or an adult.
He sent text messages to another student about conducting a shooting at Pinellas Park Middle School. He also texted a photo of what appeared to be an AR-15 to the student.
Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
During the investigation, the 11-year-old initially denied sending any text messages, but later told deputies that it was a joke, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies also found a BB gun that resembled an AR-15.
Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Anyone with information on any threats is asked to notify the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 727-582-6200 or via getfortifyfl.com.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
