PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Deputies arrested a 12-year-old boy at Carwise Middle School for bringing a replica gun and threatening a shooting, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
The preteen told another student on Friday that he was going to use it to take out his anger on students and teachers, the sheriff's office said.
After authorities were notified and began speaking with him, he reportedly admitted to bringing the gun to be "cool" and if any threats were made, they were a joke.
Deputies say the replica firearm resembled the appearance of a real weapon.
The 12-year-old was charged with a false report concerning planting a bomb, an explosive or a weapon of mass destruction or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner. He was taken to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center.
Sheriff's office deputies also on Friday arrested a 12-year-old girl who they say sent threatening Instagram messages regarding a shooting at Azalea Middle School in St. Petersburg.
"The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office remains committed to keeping our schools, our children, and our community safe," the agency said in a statement, adding that people with information about school threats can call the sheriff's office at 727-582-6200.
