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Pre-teen swats, bomb-threatens Florida schools
A Virginia boy, 11, was accused of swatting—making over twenty fake bomb threats to multiple Florida schools.
Published July 29, 2024 at 2:58pm by Max Hauptman
Virginia boy, 11, arrested for making over 20 bomb and shooting threats to Florida schools
"This kid's behavior was escalating and becoming more dangerous. I'm glad we got him before he escalated out of control and hurt someone." — Flagler County Sherriff Rick Staly
An 11-year-old Virginia boy has been arrested and charged with making over 20 bomb and shooting threats to multiple Florida schools over a 9-day period in May, resulting in 28 felony and 14 misdemeanor charges.
- URL for Sheriff Staly's statement: https://www.flaglersheriff.com/cmsfiles/2024-129-Virginia-11-Year-Old-Arrested-Following-10-Week-Investigation.pdf
The threats prompted a 10-week investigation by the Flagler County Sherriff’s Department, culminating in the arrest of the child, who admitted to making the "swatting type calls" from his Virginia home.
- Swatting Definition & Stats: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55674542e4b074aad07152ba/t/64dbbb9148edbf2b426f95e6/1692122004198/2022-2023+violent+threats+and+incidents+in+schools+report.+www.eSchoolSafety.org.pdf#page=3
This is the second arrest of a minor for similar threats in the county this year, underscoring the dangerous consequences of swatting, which often involves false reports of active shooters or bombs.
Read more: 11-year-old accused of swatting, calling in 20-plus bomb threats to Florida schools