Florida deputy followed girl to McDonald's after traffic stop, sent 'inappropriate' texts: police
Share and Follow

A Florida boy was arrested after falsely reporting a school shooting to authorities because he wanted to go home early.

The 11-year-old boy was charged with false report of a mass shooting, utilizing a two-way communication device to commit a felony, disruption of a school function and misuse of 911, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

The Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks student called 911 on Tuesday at around 9:40 a.m. to report a school shooter in a hallway of the school, Fox 35 reported.

The call led to a school lockdown and law enforcement responding to the campus. Officials did not locate a gunman, weapons or any victims.

FLORIDA TEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN TAMPA HALLOWEEN SHOOTING THAT KILLED 2, INJURED 16

Marion County Sheriffs Department

A Florida boy was arrested after falsely reporting a school shooting to authorities because he wanted to go home early. (Marion County Sheriffs Department )

All staff and students were accounted for and returned to their classrooms after an evacuation.

Detectives launched an investigation into who called 911 to report a shooting, and the 11-year-old student was found to be the one responsible. The student denied calling 911 and claimed he left his phone and his backpack behind when he went to the school clinic.

The boy grabbed his friend’s unattended phone and used it to call 911 and report an active shooter, according to deputies.

“Help, there is a school shooter walking through the hallway,” the boy told a dispatcher, according to 911 audio from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

FLORIDA WOMAN, ROOMMATE FIGHT OFF WOULD-BE SEXUAL ASSAULT: DEPUTIES

“What school?” the dispatcher asked.

“Um, Marion Oaks,” the caller replied.

“What hallway are you in?” the dispatcher asked.

“Building two,” the caller said.

“Marion Oaks Elementary or Marion Oaks High School?” the dispatcher asked.

“He’s coming. He’s coming,” the caller claimed before the line disconnected.

Several people identified the boy as the caller and said he told students earlier that day he wanted to go to the clinic, so his parents could pick him up early from school, according to the sheriff’s office. 

“All of this was a prank,” the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.

Police car

The 11-year-old boy was charged with false report of a mass shooting, utilizing a two-way communication device to commit a felony, disruption of a school function and misuse of 911. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

A Marion County detective spoke with the boy’s parents, but they refused to speak without a lawyer present.

“This student put fear into his fellow students, staff, and parents. And for what? A prank? Because you wanted to go home?” Sheriff Billy Woods said in a statement. “I will not tolerate my young citizens being fearful of going to school because you wanted to be a ‘jokester’ in hopes of going home. The law requires that any person who makes these types of false reports pay restitution for the cost of the law enforcement response which, in this case, will equal hundreds upon hundreds of man-hours. This young man is going to need to mow a lot of lawns to pay that bill.”

The boy was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump reacts to claim Iran could force US to pay for strike damage

Trump responds to suggestion that Iran might make the US cover costs of attack damage

Donald Trump laughed at the suggestion that Iran could make the United…
Joyful Parisians take a historic plunge into the Seine after 100 years

Excited Paris residents jump into the Seine River after a century.

Cries of “It is warm!” rang out across the Seine on Saturday…
South Philly shooting today: At least 8 wounded in mass shooting inside 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA

Mass Shooting at 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia Leaves 8 Wounded

PHILADELPHIA — Eight people were wounded in a mass shooting early Saturday…
Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'

Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: ‘Cannot be ignored’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The waters of a…
A fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war tests the harmony of Los Angeles' huge Iranian community

A delicate truce in the conflict between Israel and Iran challenges the unity of the large Iranian population in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Tehrangeles” in West Los Angeles is home to…
Dalai Lama says he hopes to live beyond 130 years

Dalai Lama wants to live longer than 130 years, according to the spiritual leader.

The Dalai Lama, who is elderly, expressed his desire on Saturday to…
Bravo lawyers want Leah McSweeney case to be heard in private, her counsel calls foul

Bravo attorneys seek to have Leah McSweeney’s case held in private, while her legal representation objects.

For once, there’s an ugly fight that Bravo doesn’t want its viewers…
Kelly Clarkson CANCELS first shows of Las Vegas residency

Kelly Clarkson has to cancel her initial Las Vegas performances.

Kelly Clarkson has canceled the opening two shows of her Las Vegas residency…