Crime & Safety

Teen Accused Of Planning School Shooting In Tampa Arrested: HCSO

Hillsborough County deputies say the 13-year-old girl is also accused of creating a "hit list" of teachers and students she did not like.

 Hillsborough County deputies arrested a 13-year-old girl who is accused of making threats to harm students and staff at Henderson Hammock Charter School​.
Hillsborough County deputies arrested a 13-year-old girl who is accused of making threats to harm students and staff at Henderson Hammock Charter School​. (Google Earth)

TAMPA, FL — Hillsborough County deputies arrested a 13-year-old girl Wednesday accused of making threats to harm students and staff at Henderson Hammock Charter School.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies responded to the charter school in Citrus Park following reports of a planned shooting there.

Deputies said several students came forward to administrators to report the plan. They also claimed that she created a map with locations of security cameras and a "hit list" of teachers and students she did not like.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

At this time, deputies said it doesn't appear that the teen has any known access to gun but would, however, act on her plans if she somehow got one.

"Lives were saved by the bravery of the students who came forward with information," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “ The safety of our students is a priority. I am urging all parents to talk with their children about the importance of speaking up and reporting anything suspicious. As always, if you see something, say something, it could save a life."

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The teen was taken into custody and charged with written threats to kill or conduct a mass shooting and was placed under a Baker Act, which allows the involuntary institutionalization and examination of a person in Florida.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.