VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA — Two elementary and middle school students, ages 10 and 11, were arrested in separate incidents this week after allegedly making written threats of violence against teachers and classmates, according to authorities.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office confirmed both arrests and shared video footage on its official Facebook page showing the students being taken into custody.
Officials say the arrests underscore a strict policy that threats of school violence will be handled swiftly and seriously.
11-Year-Old Arrested for Threats to Teachers
The 11-year-old, a student at DeLand Middle School, was arrested Thursday for allegedly sending written threats targeting teachers.
According to investigators, the student used another child’s account to send a message reading “imma shoot you” to seven teachers.
Authorities noted that this was the second arrest for the student in less than a year.
In October, the same student was arrested in a separate incident at Southwestern Middle School after allegedly sending a group message stating “IM GONNA SHOOT YOU” using another student’s school-related account.
At the time of the recent arrest, the student was reportedly participating in a diversion program related to the earlier case.
10-Year-Old Charged After Whiteboard Threat
Earlier in the week, a 10-year-old student at Pride Elementary School was also arrested after allegedly making written threats.
According to a Facebook post from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the child wrote on a classroom whiteboard in permanent marker that he would bring a gun to school.
Deputies say he also left a note in a desk listing individuals he intended to harm.
The student was charged with making a written threat to kill, which is classified as a felony under Florida law.
Authorities stated that the child later told investigators he did not mean the threats.
Parents of the three students named on the list were notified. Deputies also said the child’s parent indicated that he does not have access to firearms.
Sheriff’s Office Response
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office emphasized that even threats made by young students can cause major disruptions.
“These idiotic threats disrupt our schools, eat up time and resources, and increase the chances a real threat slips through the cracks,” the Sheriff’s Office stated publicly.
The district serves approximately 63,000 students and employs about 4,400 teachers.
Officials said that each threat requires a significant response from law enforcement and school safety teams.
School District Statement
A spokesperson for Volusia County Schools confirmed that every reported threat is taken seriously and addressed without exception.
The district urged parents and guardians to speak with their children about the consequences of making threats, including potential legal and educational penalties.
School officials also encouraged parents to monitor children’s digital activity and remain aware of the communication platforms they use.
Volusia County Schools stated that it continues working closely with the Sheriff’s Office and Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams to identify and respond to potential threats.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Both cases remain under review through the juvenile justice system.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding potential court dates or disciplinary measures beyond the initial charges.
Conclusion
The back-to-back arrests of two young students in Volusia County highlight ongoing concerns about threats of violence in schools and the impact such incidents have on students, educators, and law enforcement.
Officials say even threats that are not carried out can cause widespread disruption and fear, and they are urging families to have proactive conversations with children about the seriousness of their words and actions.
