Police Arrest 16-Year-Old For Countryside High School Threat

CLEARWATER, FL – An Oldsmar teenager has been arrested and charged with posting a message on social media that led to the evacuation of Countryside High School Monday, April 9.

Police arrested a 16-year-old junior at the school and charged him with making a false report concerning planting a bomb (a felony) and disturbing a school (misdemeanor).

(See related story.)

The Facebook message delivered to the police department read: "Countryside High School, 4/9/18 School Shooting/Bomb. 10:30."

Students were cleared from the school as officers swept the facility and nearby parking areas. Nothing was found.

The student came to the attention of police on Tuesday night through his parents. He was interviewed by detectives and arrested Wednesday afternoon, April 11.

"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 teen was taken to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center.

Image via Clearwater Police