A potential school threat at Springstead High School prompted a swift response from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday morning.
At approximately 11:01 a.m. on Feb. 4, deputies were called to the school after a student reported hearing another male student make a threatening statement.
According to the witness, the student was in a bathroom placing a covering over his face when he allegedly said, “I’m going to shoot this [expletive] up” as he exited the restroom. The witness immediately informed a school guardian, who alerted the school resource deputy.
As a precaution, the school implemented a “hold in place” status while authorities investigated the matter.
The 15-year-old student who allegedly made the comment was quickly identified and brought to the front office for questioning. His identity has not been released because he is a minor.
Deputies conducted a thorough search of the school but did not locate any weapons on campus. The student refused to answer questions during the investigation.
A Juvenile Pick Up Order was issued for the student on one count of Interfering with School Administrative Function, a misdemeanor. He was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center and later taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Ocala after processing.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about this case to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers.
Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or texting **TIPS from a cell phone. Tips can also be submitted online at www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com.
Individuals providing information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
