More arrests made in school threats investigation

Gun in a classroom

Yesterday, Sheriff Chip Simmons said that Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was still investigating the social media threats to shoot up Pensacola area schools. A Bellview Middle School student was arrested on Friday, but the sheriff believed more people were involved.

“Someone would’ve helped them, maybe set it up, someone would’ve helped them or encouraged them. I’m not saying that happened in this case, but we are investigating it to see if there was anyone else that had knowledge or participated in helping them do these particular threats.”

Last night, the ESCO posted on its Facebook page:

This morning, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 12-year-old student from McArthur Elementary for threats made during a FaceTime conversation with other students. He threatened to bring a firearm to school and kill one of the students. The 12-year-old has been charged with written or electric threats with intent to kill or cause bodily harm to another.

Additionally, a 15-year-old homeschooled juvenile who posted threats on Snapchat has been arrested for written or electric threats with intent to kill or cause bodily harm to another. He posted that he was going to shoot the schools up in the Snapchat post.

Sheriff Chip Simmons added, “We have been very clear about school threats. If you make such a threat, you will be arrested. Parents, PLEASE explain this to your children.”

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