On May 6, 2023, the Pinellas Park Police Department received information from concerned parents regarding a social media video that was circulating in which threats were made to the safety of students at Pinellas Park High School.
As a result of the immediate investigation, officers identified and located the teenager, a fifteen year old male, who was taken into custody without incident and admitted to posting the video.
Although the teenager claimed the video was a joke, making threats of this nature will not be taken lightly by law enforcement. The teenager was arrested and charged with electronic threats to conduct a mass shooting.
The firearm depicted in the video is believed to have been a realistic replica toy and no firearms were found to be in the teenager’s possession.
Chief Michael Haworth would like to remind the public that “any and all threats of violence will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. When it comes to situations involving the safety of our community, no stone is left unturned”.
The Pinellas Park Police Department thanked the administration of Pinellas Park High School, the Pinellas County Schools Police, and the Largo Police Department for their assistance in this investigation. They also thanked the concerned parents and responsible students for coming forward with the information that began this investigation, helping to ensure a safe learning environment at Pinellas Park High School.