CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A 16-year-old student was arrested Saturday after threatening to shoot another student on the first day of class at Orange Park High School, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
School begins for all Clay County students on Monday.
On Aug. 6, investigators said the victim received multiple calls from a blocked number.
The suspect threatened to shoot the student and also made threats against the victim’s mother, the Sheriff’s Office said. The suspect appeared to know the victim and shared personal details that raised concern.
Detectives from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Clay County School Board, quickly identified the student.
With his family’s cooperation, the student was interviewed and arrested. He faces two counts of aggravated stalking and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Authorities found no immediate evidence that the student had access to a firearm.
lead-up
“It is serious enough with just a threat,” News4Jax Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney said. “Just thinking this is some kind of joke.”
The student was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center in Jacksonville without incident.
In the lead-upis to the start of the school year, several agencies have warned about making threats toward anyone at school.
The State Attorney’s Office is is sharing a PSA saying “Fake Threats, Real Consequences.”
State Attorney RJ Larizza is warning of up to 15 years in jail and $10,000 fines as consequences.
“These are felony charges that are going to get levied against this perpetrator and anybody else who thinks this is a good way to disrupt school for some reason,” Hackney said. “It’s a good way to disrupt your future.”
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and School Board emphasized their commitment to student safety and urged the community to report any threats of violence. Tips can be submitted via 9-1-1, the non-emergency line at (904) 264-6512, or the SaferWatch app.
“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County School Board are committed to the safety of all students and threats of violence will not be tolerated. Our schools are a place for growing and learning without fear of harm,” CCSO said in a statement.
For more information, visit www.claysheriff.com.
