A 17-year-old student was arrested by Sanford police over the weekend for allegedly making online threats to “shoot up” a local high school.
On Saturday, March 8, the Sanford Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding a video that showed a teenager threatening to conduct a shooting at Seminole High School (2701 Ridgewood Avenue in Sanford), according to SPD.
The police department stated that in the video, the teen had “multiple guns, vests, and other items of concern” with him.
An investigation was launched, and SPD identified the individual in the video as 17-year-old Timothy Thomas, who is enrolled at Elevation High School. He was located at his home and taken into custody without further incident.
Thomas is being charged with intimidation written/electronic threat of mass shooting/terrorism act.
During a search of the teen’s home, officers seized “weapons [that] are extremely realistic Airsoft replicas.”
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith credited multiple local and federal agencies and organizations with swiftly identifying and arresting Thomas.
“This fast action and team work most likely prevented a tragedy and saved multiple lives,” added Smith. “We are thankful for the assistance of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Gang and Habitual Offender Suppression Team (GHOST) and Crime Analyst Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Seminole County Public Schools.”
Superintendent Serita Beamon said, “I am so thankful for the collaborative work and relentless dedication of all the agencies involved in bringing this incident to a conclusion. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to take any potential threat seriously, and act quickly.”
An arraignment for Thomas is scheduled to take place at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31. A Seminole County judge stated that the state may decide to charge Thomas, who turns 18 next week, as an adult.
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to please contact the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling 1-800-423-TIPS(8477).