- April 18, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Flagler County deputies have arrested an 11-year-old for allegedly threatening to bomb his school. It was the second threat-related arrest of a Flagler County student this week, and, as in the earlier case, the suspect said he hadn't been serious.
“This is the second arrest this week for making threats and then claiming they were just joking,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Parents, please talk to your kids about wrong and right and keep track of what they’re bringing to school in their backpacks. Do not be surprised when we come knocking on your door after hearing about a bomb threat your child has made. Saying you were just joking is not going to make deputies turn around and leave. We take all threats very seriously and your child will be arrested. Be the sheriff in your home before we have to be the sheriff for your child. We do not like making these arrests, so help us prevent it by talking to your child.”
On Wednesday Jan. 27, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School at 4600 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast after receiving a report of a student making threats.
FCSO deputies made contact with Principal Barbara Kavanagh, who told deputies that she received an email from a parent stating that the suspect, an 11-year-old student at the school, had made concerning statements the previous day during the school’s lunch period.
In the email, the parent explained that her daughter, also a student, saw the suspect make numerous disturbing statements regarding his intentions to cause harm to students at the school and the way he would do it.
The student reported that the suspect said he would blow the school up with bombs and harm students with a gun and mace that he claimed to have in his backpack.
The suspect also claimed to have been stalking a female student and to know what her bedroom looked like.
Deputies interviewed another student who was also present at the time, and who confirmed having heard the same threats.
Deputies then made contact with the suspect and his parents.
When deputies asked if the suspect had made the statements, he said that he did, but claimed to have "only been joking" and said he did not intend to harm anyone.
Deputies asked the suspect if he had a gun inside his backpack. He replied that he did not, but that he did have mace. A search of the suspect's backpack recovered a can of mace and a 2.5-inch pocket knife.
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He is charged with False Report of a Bomb and was released into the custody of his parents as required by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
