VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced on social media that they’ve arrested a 15-year-old student for a hoax threat Sunday morning.
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The teen who was playing Fortnite told another player of his plans to blow up Pine Ridge High School.
VCSO responded to the Fortify Florida tip they received around 1:30 a.m.
We arrested another student for a hoax threat this morning. While playing Fortnite, he told another player he'd get some explosives and blow up Pine Ridge High School. We responded to the Fortify Florida tip around 1:30 a.m.
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) September 22, 2024
Volusia County has had a recent run-in on school threats in the week alone.
Chitwood spoke with Channel 9 earlier in the week about how we will maximize charges for anyone who threatens a school, including parents.
That statement came before Volusia County arrested two students for online school threats.
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However, in this case Chitwood is showing some restraint as the 15-year-old suspect has autism.
“He’s 15. Here’s the thing. He has autism. I am not going to perp walk this kid on video this time. He’s in custody with a felony charge, and will be facing the consequences of his actions. My promise to publicly show others who make these threats still stands.” he said.
He's 15. Here's the thing. He has autism. I am not going to perp walk this kid on video this time. He's in custody with a felony charge, and will be facing the consequences of his actions. My promise to publicly show others who make these threats still stands. @VolusiaSheriff
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) September 22, 2024
The teenager is in custody and is facing a felony charge.
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