2 Students Arrested For Making Threats At Hillsborough Schools

TAMPA, FL - A high school and middle school student were arrested in separate incidents Wednesday for making violent threats against their schools, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

An Armwood High student has been charged with making a false report concerning planting a bomb, an explosive, or a weapon of mass destruction, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner. The student made threatening statements Wednesday afternoon while at the school bus ramp that caused witnesses who heard him to fear for their safety, deputies said. The student claimed he had a machine gun and was going to "shoot up the school." He also stated to the witnesses he was going to "kill his animals when he got home." and told them he had a bomb with him at school, deputies said. When confronted by teachers, he made similar statements in their presences. No weapons or bombs were found.

A Turkey Creek Middle School student made threatening statements to his teacher in front of his class around 11:30 a.m. After claiming that he was "going to do Florida Round 2 tomorrow," the student was removed from class and searched. No weapons were found. The student was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with making a false report concerning planting a bomb, an explosive, or a weapon of mass destruction, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner.

Both students were taken to the Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center. In a statement released earlier this week, Sheriff Chad Chronister said his department has a zero tolerance when it comes to these kinds of threats.

"The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and our dedicated cadre of school resource deputies, remain hyper-vigilant to any threats or vows of violence, whether they are cryptic statements on social media, so-called "copycat'' threats or words spoken between students," said Chronister. "Law enforcement and educators depend on students, parents and caregivers to alert us when they hear something or sense that something isn't right. I implore everyone to do the right thing when it comes to our children's safety. Don't stay silent or in the shadows. Be heard and maybe save a life."

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