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In a disturbing incident at Palatka Junior-Senior High School, a 16-year-old student has been arrested after allegedly posting a music video on social media in which he explicitly threatened his classmates. The video reportedly contained specific names and detailed threats about how he would harm them, as stated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities revealed that this unsettling behavior might not be an isolated occurrence. Some of the students targeted in the video informed deputies that the suspect had previously issued threats against them. These included menacing statements about engaging in physical fights or even more extreme threats, such as “blowing up their houses.” Unfortunately, these prior incidents had not been reported to law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office became aware of the alarming video through a school dean, who alerted the youth resource deputies to the situation. The swift action highlights the importance of vigilance and communication within educational institutions when it comes to student safety.
PCSO said the victims told deputies that the suspect previously threatened them, including saying he would fight them or “blow up their houses.” PCSO said these past incidents were not reported to the agency.
Youth resource deputies were reportedly alerted about the video by a school dean.
“We want to thank our school administrators and law enforcement partners for their swift response,” the Putnam County School District said in a statement to First Coast News. “This situation reinforces the importance of “See Something, Say Something.” PCSD has zero tolerance for threats or violence on campus.”
The teenager faces three second-degree felony charges of making written or electronic threats to kill or physically hurt someone. A State Attorney’s Office representative said they were not yet certain if he would be charged as a juvenile or as an adult.
Due to the suspect’s age, his name and photo are not included in this story.
PCSO said he will be transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Volusia County.
Anyone with information about a possible threat or unsafe situation involving a local school is encouraged to report it through the FortifyFL app, a free and anonymous tool.