BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A 14-year-old girl was arrested Friday morning for altering and reposting a threat that had been circulating on social media, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.
The threat, which stemmed from a Snapchat post made in South Carolina, shows what appears to be a student holding a pellet gun and says the name of a school along with "Round two of Florida," implying the threat of another shooting.
Deputies said the girl, who lives in Brevard County's Canaveral Groves neighborhood, altered the image to name Space Coast Junior/Senior High School.
#SeeSomethingSaySomething #stonemanshooting pic.twitter.com/279xlDHD3Y
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 16, 2018
"I’m coming space coast, watch out," the image said.
The girl, whose identity hasn't been released, was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center on a written threats to kill or do bodily harm charge.
"The investigation into the post began after the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of the posting on Instagram," Ivey said. "The female student had indicated that she thought it was 'funny,' because everyone else was doing it and the reaction it was generating."
Ivey said Thursday that there would be an increased security presence at the school Friday. Deputies were seen guarding each of the school's entrances.
"We were shocked someone did it so soon," said Cheryl Welford, whose child attends the school. "I feel a little bit more safe since they're here. I really appreciate it."
Organizers of a wrestling tournament that was to be hosted by the school have postponed the event because of parents' concerns.
Deputies said they always take school threats seriously, but will be especially vigilant in light of Wednesday's mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida.
A high school student in South Carolina was arrested Thursday and face charges in connection with the original threat, officials said.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that it will provide an increased presence at several schools and is prepared to respond to all reports of threats and suspicious activity.
Deputies responded to Pine Ridge High School on Thursday afternoon after a student found two bullets stuck between two mats in the school’s weight room. No weapon was found and there were no threats of violence.
See something, say something. Perfect example: 2 bullets were found in a weight room today at Pine Ridge High School. No weapons found, no threat of violence. But we take every one of these seriously. Info at https://t.co/TTo5k5FkM6
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) February 16, 2018
A 17-year-old student was questioned because he had been spotted sitting near the area where the ammunition was found. However, the student had no knowledge of the bullets.
“We treat every one of these incidents seriously, and we will do everything we can to make sure every student is safe at school, especially in today’s heightened state of alarm,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. “I want to encourage everyone to report suspicious activity when they see it. Don’t hesitate. If you see something, say something, and we will do something."
Other law enforcement agencies in Central Florida said any “copycat” threats will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Cox Media Group
