LAKE CITY, Fla., April 27, 2026 — A 14-year-old student was arrested Monday after a reported threat involving a firearm prompted a lockdown at Lake City Middle School, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
The lockdown began around 11:40 a.m. after several students told a teacher they overheard a classmate say they had “lost my handgun.” Authorities said the student was later seen searching their backpack with a flashlight, appearing to look for the alleged weapon.
The school principal and a school resource deputy were immediately notified, and the student was removed from the classroom and searched. No weapon was found on the student or in the backpack.
During an interview, the student admitted the statements were intended as a joke and acknowledged the situation escalated, officials said. After interviews with students involved, the lockdown was lifted.
The student was arrested and taken to the Columbia County Detention Facility. Authorities charged the student with false report of a weapon on campus, a third-degree felony, and disruption of a school function, a second-degree misdemeanor. Following a review of the charges, the student was released to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said statements about firearms on school grounds, even if made in jest, can lead to criminal charges and significant consequences. Officials said the incident disrupted school operations, required a law enforcement response, and caused concern among students and staff.