Matanzas student charged with felony after making threat toward school

Matanzas Dean of Students Thomas Wooleyhan reported that a student had made threats to “shoot up the school” after doing poorly on a math assignment.

By Ray Boone
| 1:10 p.m. March 6, 2018

Palm Coast Observer
News

A 14-year-old male student at Matanzas High School was arrested on the morning of Tuesday, March 6, after he allegedly filed a false report concerning the use of firearms at the school, according to a news release by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Dean of Students Thomas Wooleyhan reported that a student had made threats to “shoot up the school” after doing poorly on a math assignment.

The student was interviewed and admitted to making the comment. However, he said it was a joke.

Several students and teachers who witnessed the comment confirmed the threat was made.

The student was taken to the Flagler County Detention Facility but was released to home detention with a first appearance hearing on Wednesday, March 7, in juvenile court in Daytona Beach.

"We have made it clear to Sheriff Staly that we will not tolerate threats on or to our campuses,” Flagler County Schools Superintendent James Tager said in a release. "These are not joking matters, and we stand with our law enforcement partners in ensuring all students, teachers and staff can learn and work in a safe environment."

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the FCSO immediately by calling 911 for an emergency or 386-313-4911 for a non-emergency. Tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477) or by emailing [email protected].