9th-grader arrested, accused of making threats toward several Manatee County schools

Related video: On Tuesday, a Pasco County student was arrested for alleged ly making school threats.

BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — A 15-year-old boy was arrested for making multiple threats about alleged planned school shootings for Friday at several Manatee County schools, according to officials.

Manatee County deputies and Bradenton police began investigating the origin and credibility of the threats on Thursday and later located the 9th-grade student as the culprit.

Officials said the teen used Snapchat to make threats about committing a school shooting. When evidence was found on his phone, the student said he said it as a joke.

No weapons were found.

The 15-year-old was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.

“Our students’ safety is always our highest priority, and these threats are taken very seriously,” Sheriff Ricks Wells said. “We will work tirelessly to track down the people who make these threats. This is never a joking matter!”

Deputies are still investigating other social media posts and have placed additional deputies around various schools on Friday.

Anyone who sees or hears threats being made about Manatee County school is encouraged to report it to law enforcement or through the Flority Florida app.

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