More students arrested, identified after threatening Volusia County school, sheriff says

PIERSON, Fla. — Two more students in Volusia County are facing charges after they were accused of threatening to shoot up a school.

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Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood posted a video of the students being escorted by deputies on Wednesday.

Chitwood said the 16 and 17-year-olds made threats on the social media app Snapchat.

The sheriff says the teen suspects claimed the threats were “jokes.”

Watch: Sheriff Chitwood says deputies will continue to arrest and identify students who threaten schools

He said one of the students sent a Snapchat photo saying, “I’m going to shoot up the school.” The other student replied, “Same.”

The sheriff says comments like these are completely unacceptable.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office released mugshots of the teens and videos of them being booked into the Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

Read: Sheriff: Volusia student, 11, arrested after mass shooting threat, weapons stockpile found

Investigators say they made a threat against Taylor High School in Pierson.

Both students now face a felony charge.

“I will not have 2% of the population of the students disrupt what’s going on with the other 98% of kids who are doing the right thing and enjoy school life,” Chitwood said.

Watch: ‘We will chase you down:’ Law enforcement, school officials promise consequences for school threats

The sheriff is urging parents to talk to their kids and remind them that these threats are not funny and that what you post on social media is not private.

Volusia County Schools released the following statement:

“Safety is the number one priority of Volusia County Schools and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. The safety of your student, all students, and all school staff is a joint responsibility. Schools in Volusia County and around the state have experienced an increase in threats over the past week. VCS, VSO, and all of our local law enforcement partners thoroughly investigate every possible threat. Any students or individuals found responsible for making threats or spreading false information will face serious consequences. This includes disciplinary actions at the school level, such as suspension or expulsion, as well as potential legal action, including arrest. We need the continued support of our parents and community members to reinforce the seriousness of these offenses with your children. Thank you for your partnership.”

See more in the video above.

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