SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A 17-year-old was arrested after he was accused of making online threats to “shoot up” Seminole High School, according to the Sanford Police Department.
Police said they were notified on Saturday of a Speakout Hotline tip regarding the video of the unknown person threatening to shoot up the high school in Sanford.
According to a news release, the video showed the subject with multiple guns, vests, and “other items of concern.”
During the video, the teen said he “would conduct the shooting during lunch, when there is a big group of people and in between classes while people are walking also in the morning,” according to an arrest report.
He is also accused of stating that he was affiliated with Isis, members of the Bloods street gang, and has affiliation with the military.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Sanford police said they joined other law enforcement partners to try to identity of the unknown male in the video.
According to the release, on Sunday police identified the person in the video as a student at Elevation High School, also located in Sanford.
Police said the teen was located at his home and taken into custody without incident. Sanford police released a photo of the weapons and other items they found at the home described as “extremely realistic Airsoft replicas.”
“The swift identification and arrest of Thomas is the direct result of the immediate collaboration and dedication of multiple local and federal agencies and organizations,” Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said. “This fast action and team work most likely prevented a tragedy and saved multiple lives. We are thankful for the assistance of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Gang and Habitual Offender Suppression Team (GHOST) and Crime Analyst Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Seminole County Public Schools.”
The teen faces charges of intimidation written/electronic threat of mass shooting/terrorism act.
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to please contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimeline.org. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous.
Principals at Seminole High School sent a message to parents and staff that can be read in full below:
“Good evening, Seminole High families, and staff,
We were made aware of a potential threat that was reported to law enforcement involving an individual in a chat room online speaking about Seminole High School.
The Sanford Police Department and SCPS School Safety Division, along with other agencies worked quickly to identify the individual captured in the video that was shared along with the tip.
At this time, the individual has been taken into custody and was found to have several airsoft BB guns, but no actual firearms. Out of an abundance of caution, and following our safety protocols, we will have additional police presence on campus tomorrow.
This is a perfect example of “see something, say something.” We are thankful to the individual who shared this tip with law enforcement and for our strong partnership with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department and the Sanford Police Department.
We are asking our families to partner with us and remind their students to say something if they see or hear something. It takes all of us working together to keep our campus a vibrant place of learning and growth for our students.”
Principal Pfeiffer and Dr. Washington
WKMG News 6 is choosing not to name the student at this time due to his age.