A 39-year-old man is in custody after making violent online threats that forced four Duval County Public Schools into lockout status and sparked a multi-state law enforcement response.
Authorities say Matthew Piner posted a threatening message on social media stating that anyone “possessing or keeping” his child from him should be “shot on sight.” Investigators confirmed that Piner does not have custody of the child, who is a student at one of the Jacksonville-area schools.
As the threat was being assessed, investigators learned Piner was actively traveling from California toward Jacksonville and was believed to be armed. Out of an abundance of caution, Duval County Public Schools placed four schools on lockout to protect students and staff while law enforcement worked to locate him.
The situation escalated into a coordinated investigation involving Duval County School Police, the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office, and partner agencies across state lines. On Wednesday, December 17, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office located Piner near Sweetwater in West Texas and took him into custody without incident.
Officials credited the rapid information sharing and joint effort for preventing what could have become a far more serious and dangerous situation.
Law enforcement emphasized that threats made online are treated as real and credible, especially when they involve schools or children. Anyone who encounters suspicious or threatening online activity is urged to report it immediately by calling 904-630-0500.
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