Threat to ‘Shoot Up’ Middle School Results in Boy’s Arrest

HOLIDAY, FL — A 13-year-old Holiday boy faces a criminal charge after allegedly announcing to his seventh-period class plans to “shoot up” Paul R. Smith Middle School on Dec. 22; the day before holiday break is set to begin.

The teen’s threat was overheard by a teacher and a witness, an arrest report stated. That Dec. 5 threat prompted a visit to the boy’s home by deputies. There they learned the boy does not have access to a gun.

“Due to the defendant not having access to a gun, the defendant gave a false report with the intent to misinform, mislead and deceive the class concerning the use of a firearm in a violent manner,” the report said. With that in mind, the boy, was charged with giving a false report related to use of a firearm against state property.

The teen, who is not being identified by Patch due to his age, was charged on Tuesday, Dec. 6. He was being booked into the Land O’ Lakes Juvenile Assessment Center.

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