A 17-year-old boy was arrested by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office after he allegedly threatened to “shoot up” a local school.
According to OCSO, an anonymous tip was received through Fortify FL on Monday, October 28, regarding a 17-year-old boy who had allegedly made verbal threats to “shoot up a school.”
A school resource officer working at Poinciana High School (2300 S Poinciana Boulevard in Kissimmee) was notified of the threats and the identity of the teen suspect. Deputies, including the school resource officer, then went to the teen’s home, where contact was made with the suspect and his mother.
OCSO stated that the suspect “became very nervous” and “briefly fainted” when deputies confronted him about the school shooting threats. His mother gave deputies permission to search the interior of the residence for any firearms.
During the search, deputies found a backpack belonging to the teen, which he typically brought to school. Inside the backpack, deputies allegedly found a clear bottle labeled “Crown Royal Regal Apple,” a black Glock 19, and a 34-round extended magazine.
When asked how he obtained the firearm, the teen allegedly stated that he “found” the gun in Orlando. A search of the gun’s serial number revealed that it was reported as stolen.
The sheriff’s office further stated that during a search of the teen’s bedroom, deputies found an unspecified amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and additional bullets.
The teen was placed under arrest, and he is currently being held without bond on the following charges: grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of marijuana (under 20 grams), possession of alcohol by a person under 21, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
In a social media post, OCSO stated that the Fortify FL tip “prevented an unimaginable tragedy in this case.” The sheriff’s office added that it “strongly encourages the public to report any indications of threats to school safety so we can continue to prevent these issues in the future.”
If anyone has information related to this case or any other similar incidents, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call 407-348-2222.