Student's threats toward Stetson University ‘concerning,' police say

DELAND, Fla. — An 18-year-old Stetson University student was arrested Monday on charges of making a bomb threat online toward the school, according to the DeLand Police Department.

Police said they arrested Griffin C. Powell at his home in Clay County, and that he was not on campus at the time of the threat.

Powell was charged with threats to discharge a destructive device, and he was being held on $20,000 bail, police said.

However, Powell posted bail and was released from custody, police said.

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Investigators said the nature of threats were “specific and concerning,” and that Powell made references to bombs and gas.

“We felt we had probable cause, and the judge also felt we had probable cause to issue an arrest warrant,” DeLand police Chief Jason Umberger said during a news conference.

Police said it was a one-time threat and that Powell was suspended and banned from the campus.

Police said Powell made the threat on Snap Chat and another student saw the post.

The school said it was made aware of the threats and called police.

“One student came forward, which we are grateful for,” Umberger said.

Police said they did not find explosive devices or materials in Powell’s home.

“There was no indication that this young man would do or say something like this, at least not what was brought to the attention of law enforcement,” said Umberger.

No further information was released.

Anyone with information is asked to call the DeLand Police Department at 386-626-7424.

Watch the news conference below: 

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