Threats are never a laughing matter, especially when made on a school bus or at a school. One Port St. Lucie High School student is learning that lesson the hard way after allegedly making threatening statements last week.
Now that student, who has only been identified as a male student from PSL High, faces criminal charges and the possibility of expulsion. “We will not tolerate threats of any kind,” said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara. “This should serve as a lesson to all students that we will take these situations seriously.” The sheriff went on to commend the students who heard the threats and reported them to the bus driver, who notified law enforcement.
The student’s comments were investigated thoroughly and determined to be non-credible, the Sheriff’s Office said. Still, the student was arrested and faces charges that include making false claims to harm others and disruption of a school function.
According to Kerry Padrick, spokeswoman for St. Lucie Public Schools, parents were advised of the incident through the District’s school messenger system.
The District encourages students to immediately report any concerns or suspicious activities to law enforcement, administrators, teachers or staff, Padrick said. Students can also submit observations anonymously through Crime Stoppers or the St. Lucie Public Schools app.