Pinellas County high schooler arrested after sending messages about school shooting, deputies say
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - The Pinellas County Sheriff's office arrested a 15-year-old East Lake High School student on Tuesday after another student reported receiving messages about a school shooting.
The student who reported the messages told school personnel, and they contacted law enforcement, according to officials.
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Deputies say when they went to the 15-year-old's home he admitted to sending the messages but told detectives that it was a joke.
The investigation resulted in the teenager being taken into custody and transported to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center, according to deputies.
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Officials say the 15-year-old was arrested for threatening communications or threats of mass shooting.
Deputies ask anyone with information on any threats to notify the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office immediately at (727) 582-6200 or via getfortifyfl.com.