SANFORD, Fla. — The Sanford Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old high school student accused of making an online threat to “shoot up” Seminole High School, WESH reported.
Police were alerted on March 8 to a video posted online showing an unidentified male making threats while displaying what appeared to be multiple guns and vests, according to the report. Investigators determined the suspect was a student at Elevation High School, and officers arrested him on March 9.
The suspect is charged with intimidation written/electronic threat of mass shooting/terrorism act.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith credited the collaboration between multiple local and federal agencies.
“The swift identification and arrest of [the suspect] is the direct result of the immediate collaboration and dedication of multiple local and federal agencies and organizations. This fast action and team work most likely prevented a tragedy,” Smith stated.
Agencies involved included the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Gang and Habitual Offender Suppression Team, according to the report.
Police later searched the suspect’s home and seized Airsoft replica firearms, which authorities described as “extremely realistic.”
In response to the threat, Seminole High School officials assured parents and staff that additional police presence would be on campus out of caution, according to the report. The school urged students and families to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
