LHS student who jokes about gun at school arrested; students injured attempting to get to safety
Lecanto, Florida - About 11:30 am on Friday, December 10, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office was contacted with information that ai student possibly had a gun at Lecanto High School.
The initial report came from a student on campus, and as soon as school officials received notification of the potential dangerous situation at the school, the school was placed into lockdown. The School Resource Deputy (SRD) and the Citrus County School Board Guardian worked quickly to search the school and question potential witnesses to determine there was no existing threat.
Officials learned, that during the class dismissal period, a student shouted, "He's got a gun; he's got a gun," which frightened nearby students who began running through the hallway to exit the school and or seek shelter. As a result, one student was trampled and was promptly transported for medical treatment while other students sustained minor injuries.
Deputies identified the student who shouted, "He's got a gun; he's got a gun." During an interview, the student admitted to having made the statement. The student stated that he/she never witnessed anyone with a gun, just a student pulling out a cell phone, and the statement, "He's got a gun; he's got a gun," was merely a joke.
The student was placed under arrest for violating Florida State Statute 790.16, a second degree felony - making a false report of a bomb, firearm, explosive or weapon of mass destruction. The student was also charged with violating Florida State Statute 877.13, a second degree misdemeanor, the disruption or interference of a school function.
"The duty to protect and serve Citrus County citizens begins with our youth, and we will do everything it takes to safeguard them. Threats are nothing to joke about," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Students, parents, and staff can take comfort in knowing that the Citrus County Sheriff's Office is ready and on high alert at all times for any threats on our school campuses. We have our highly trained School Resource Deputies staged at every school in the county to maintain a safe learning environment."
According to a CCSO press release, "These types of incidents at our schools will NOT be tolerated. The safety of our students and school personnel is of the highest priority to our office. Parents and/or caregivers, we would like to encourage you to speak with your children about the severity of making a school threat, even in a joking matter. Threats are NO joke and carry criminal charges."
Students can report suspicious activity to their School Resource Deputy or school officials. they can also report suspicious activity to the CCSO by calling 9-1-1, or through the agency's non-emergency line at (352) 249-2790.