CLEARWATER, Fla. — A 16-year-old student has been arrested in connection to a social media threat that prompted an evacuation at Countryside High School in Clearwater on Monday.
On Wednesday, Clearwater Police detectives arrested a male 16-year-old from Oldsmar. The teen is a junior at Countryside High School, according to police.
The Facebook message delivered to the police department reportedly read: "Countryside High School, 4/9/18 School Shooting/Bomb. 10:30".
RELATED | Countryside High School evacuated due to social media threat
Students were cleared from the school Monday morning as officers swept the facility and nearby parking areas. Nothing was found.
The student came to the attention of the police department on Tuesday night through his parents. He was interviewed by detectives and then arrested Wednesday afternoon.
The student was arrested and charged with a false report concerning planting a bomb, which is a felony, and disturbing schools, religious or other assemblies, which is a misdemeanor.
"Parents need to have a talk with their children about the seriousness of these matters, and they need to have it now," said Police Chief Dan Slaughter. "There are legal repercussions for this behavior. It can also impact college admission and employment opportunities."
The suspect was taken to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center late Wednesday afternoon.
