PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.—A 12-year-old student has been arrested and charged with a felony for making online threats against another student, including posting photos of firearms.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) began an investigation on September 16 after receiving a report of threats made via Instagram. The suspect, a student at St. Lucie West K-8, had created the account to bully another student following a falling out over the summer. The threats continued even after the victim tried to de-escalate the situation, and the suspect included photos of firearms in his messages.
On September 17, digital forensic evidence led investigators to the 12-year-old. With the assistance of a School Resource Officer and school security, the student was taken into custody at school without incident. The cell phone used in the incident was seized for further examination.
The investigation revealed that the threats were intended as a “prank” and that the student did not have access to firearms. He was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice and charged with Electronic Threats to Kill, Do Bodily Harm, or Conduct an Act of Terrorism.
The PSLPD is urging parents to monitor their children’s use of cell phones and social media platforms, emphasizing that all threats are taken seriously.
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