An 11-year-old boy from Florida found himself in serious trouble after making a false report of a school shooting, sparking panic and a massive law enforcement response.
The incident, which took place at Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, resulted in the boy’s arrest on several charges, including false reports of a mass shooting, misuse of 911, and disruption of a school function.
The boy dialed 911 around 9:40 am., claiming there was a school shooter in one of the hallways. This alarming call prompted an immediate lockdown of the school and a swift response from Florida law enforcement.
After a thorough investigation, law enforcement officials failed to uncover any trace of a shooter, firearms, or individuals harmed during the incident.
Fortunately, the entire student body and faculty remained unharmed, although understandably unsettled by the unsettling false alarm.
Florida Child’s Hoax Spurs Sheriff’s Firm Response
Detectives delved into the matter, eventually uncovering that the 11-year-old student was behind the hoax. Initially denying involvement and alleging he had left his phone in the school clinic, he admitted to grabbing a friend’s unattended phone to make the distressing 911 call.
Sheriff Billy Woods expressed dismay at the situation, emphasizing the severity of the repercussions. “This student put fear into his fellow students, staff, and parents. And for what? A prank? Because you wanted to go home?” he stated, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and its impact on the community.
Florida Sheriff Woods further emphasized the financial ramifications of these false complaints, stressing that the offender would be responsible for compensation to cover the exorbitant cost of the law enforcement response a total estimated at hundreds of man-hours.
Consequently, the boy was apprehended and taken to the Marion County Jail, facing the consequences of his actions.
Sheriff Woods made it very evident that this kind of activity will not be allowed, highlighting the necessity for those who make false complaints to be held accountable for the turmoil and costs their activities have generated as well as for facing the full weight of Florida law.
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