NewsTreasure CoastRegion St Lucie CountyPort St Lucie

Actions

Port St. Lucie police investigate Snapchat threat to Treasure Coast High School

Posted at 9:21 AM, Jan 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-23 11:27:48-05

UPDATE: Police say they have obtained a "take and hold" order on a 15-year-old male who faces disruption of a school function and written threats to kill or injure.

EARLIER:

The Port St. Lucie Police Department said Tuesday they are investigating a Snapchat post that conveyed a threat to Treasure Coast High School.

Sgt. Frank Sabol said in a written statement that on Monday at 10 p.m. police were informed of the threat.

During the investigation, police said they learned that a 14-year-old Treasure Coast High School student posted on Snapchat a picture of what looked to be a real handgun with the caption, "I dare anyone to come to school Tuesday."  

Police said they were able to track down the source of the post, which lead them to a Port St. Lucie home. 

Officers made contact with the 14-year-old student and his parents. 

Police said they found a BB gun that was pictured in the post. The student told police that the post was a joke and the picture is in fact a BB gun.

Port St. Lucie police said they will continue to investigate this matter and will consult with the state attorney's office for possible criminal charges.

St. Lucie Public Schools issued the following statement:

Acting on a tip about a social media post, Port St. Lucie Police investigated and removed a BB gun from the home of a student. According to police reports, the student told police the post was a joke. However, matters of campus safety are taken very seriously and acted upon with the utmost urgency and seriousness.  

Notification of the incident was provided to staff and parents via a robo-call prior to the morning bell.

The partnership St. Lucie Public Schools has with local law enforcement is strong and greatly appreciated.  Likewise, the District appreciates parent, teacher, and student support in keeping campuses safe by reporting activity that is of concern.