Threat Of Mass Shooting Leads To Arrest Of Pinellas Park High Student

PINELLAS PARK, FL — A 15-year-old boy was arrested after Pinellas Park police were contacted by parents of students at Pinellas Park High School Saturday who were concerned about a video circulating on social media that made threats of a mass shooting at the school.

The investigation led officers to a 15-year-old student who admitted to posting the video on social media sites but said it was meant to be a joke. The gun shown in the video is believed to be a realistic replica toy. Police found no firearm in the teenager's possession.

The student was charged with making electronic threats to carry out a mass shooting.

"Any and all threats of violence will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. When it comes to situations involving the safety of our community, no stone is left unturned," said Pinellas Park police Chief Michael Haworth, who thanked the Pinellas Park High School administration, the Pinellas County schools police and the Largo police for their assistance in the investigation along with the concerned parents and students who came forward with information about the video.