INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A Vero Beach High School student was arrested Tuesday after deputies said he made threats targeting staff and other pupils last week. The student – who officials said made threats of violence – had been suspended from the school on Friday before making the threats later that day.
“The investigation revealed a student who was suspended earlier on Friday, sent threatening messages using the school district’s FOCUS messenger account, to multiple staff members,” Indian River County sheriff’s officials said in a statement. “In total, 10 staff members, to include teachers, guidance counselors, and support staff, received similar messages indicating threats to themselves, their families, and the campus.”
The student – a juvenile – was charged with 10 counts of written threats to kill or injure, Indian River County sheriff’s spokesperson Lt. Joe Abollo said. The boy was taken to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice in Fort Pierce, Abollo said.
1/2: We are aware of the student arrest that was made due to the threats against VBHS. We have been working closely with the IRCSO since these threats were discovered, & are proud of their quick action & thorough investigation. pic.twitter.com/4WHtCZDF2T
— Indian River Schools (@IRCSchools) November 22, 2022
School officials and deputies on Friday learned the student made threats of violence targeting the campus, students and staff, according to authorities. School resource deputies and sheriff’s detectives investigated the incident and discovered the student who posted the threats, officials said.
The investigation ended Tuesday with the student’s arrest.
“All threats to our students, staff, and faculty will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
No further details were immediately available.
