Lakeland football player charged for school shooting threat: PCSO

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday for threatening a mass shooting at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 2:20 a.m., the Jacksonville suicide prevention line received a call from the teen, who told officials he was going to hurt himself and shoot the school.

The teen had described on the line, the firearm he would use to shoot. Detectives then tracked the details and pinged his phone to George Jenkins High School. ‘

When Polk deputies responded to the school, they found the suspect in class lifting weights, but no weapons were found.

“We saw no evidence of mental health issues,” Judd said in Thursday’s press conference.

Sheriff Grady Judd said the student was on the football team, very social, and intelligent.

“This kid went from a football player to a lock-up.”

The boy was arrested and charged with making a false report concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, false report of a commission of a crime, and disrupting a school function.

“Threatening mass shootings at or against a school and students is serious,” Sheriff Judd said. “Words matter, and [the teen] is finding that out now. He is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.