ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A 15-year-old student was arrested on Monday for threatening to "shoot up" Tocoi Creek High School in St. Augustine, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO).
In an email to parents and guardians Monday afternoon, Tocoi Creek High School Principal Jay Willets said investigators uncovered written statements indicating a school threat, which was written by a student and posted on social media.
The sheriff's office posted on Facebook that deputies conducted a "threat assessment" which involves evaluating the student's history, any previous behavior issues, interviews, family and home environment.
The post further states that the student made threats via Snapchat stating: "I’m going to shoot up Tocoi High School tomorrow."
Police say the the threat "generated significant fear and concern throughout the school community."
"Based on the information discovered during the initial investigation and threat assessment, the threat was deemed 'high risk', and the decision was made to arrest [the student] out of concern for the safety of students and staff," SJSO's post states.
Willets also said in the email that the 15-year-old faces consequences with the school district in accordance with the 'Student Code of Conduct.' The student faces felony charges as well from their arrest, according to police.
"Threats of violence at our schools will not be tolerated," Sheriff Rob Hardwick said in SJSO's post. "This arrest and previous arrests should send a clear message; any and all threats will be investigated immediately, we will find you, and you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We have a strong relationship with the St. Johns County School District and will work together to prioritize the safety of students, staff, and visitors at our schools. I am proud of our students who continue to use the FortifyFL app to report suspicious activity and potentially save lives. Please continue to notify law enforcement immediately if you see or hear something concerning."
Willets said Tocoi Creek will operate on a normal schedule Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week.