Teen Posted Online Threat Against Other Students: North Port Police

NORTH PORT, FL — A teen attending North Port High School made threatening comments Thursday night on social media about planning to harm students on campus, according to a North Port Police Department Facebook post.

“While the student says they made the comments in jest, we take these words very seriously. An arrest was quickly made,” the agency said.

There were additional police resources at schools Friday to ensure they “ran smoothly,” police said.

NPHS principal Shannon Fusco emailed students and their families about the threat, saying the unnamed student was known to school officials and was arrested.

“It is vitally important that you remind your students that we and our community take all threats seriously. The consequences this person may face are many. We expect every student to be safe,” she wrote. “There can be life-altering outcomes when someone threatens the safety of our students and staff.”

She said it was “the second arrest this month for a similar action.”

Police Chief Todd Garrison added, “The North Port Police Department has no tolerance when it comes to potential threats to our kids. We hope this is a reminder to all that there are real consequences. Please talk to your children about these consequences and the impact it can have.”