Florida School Shooting: Brother Of Accused Gunman Arrested

PARKLAND, FL — The younger brother of accused Florida school gunman Nikolas Cruz was arrested on Monday after showing up on the grounds of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School riding a skateboard. Zarchary Cruz was charged with trespassing on school grounds, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.

Police said that the 18-year-old had been warned multiple times by school officials to stay away from the campus. He is likely to have skated past the growing memorial to the victims outside the property.

"Defendant Cruz surpassed all locked doors and gates and proceeded to ride his skateboard through school grounds," according to the arrest report.

Cruz, who listed his occupation as student, was arrested at 4:50 p.m. following the incident that occurred 20 minutes earlier, according to the arrest document. He listed a permanent address in the 6100 block of NW 80th Terrace in Parkland.

Nikolas Cruz is accused of killing 17 students and faculty members at Stoneman Douglas during a murderous rampage on Valentine's Day.

"Defendant Cruz stated that he unlawfully entered the school property to 'reflect on the school shooting and to soak it in,'" court documents said of Zachary Cruz.

Police said that Zachary Cruz had no ties to Broward County at present and added that the alleged trespassing incident was captured on surveillance video. The school planned to press charges.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano