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Volusia County, FL - A 12-year-old student was arrested in Florida after deputies say threatening messages about a possible school shooting were sent to a teacher using another student’s account.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after school officials received an automated alert flagging violent language sent through an online communication platform connected to McInnis Elementary School.
Deputies said the message allegedly threatened violence against the school and staff members.
Investigators initially traced the messages to the account of a male student.
However, detectives later determined the account had allegedly been accessed by the student’s former girlfriend, who authorities say used his login information to send the threats.
Law enforcement officials stated the messages referenced plans to allegedly shoot up the school on the final day of classes and included threatening language directed at a teacher.
According to the arrest affidavit, the messages also allegedly referenced bringing a firearm to campus and included statements involving self harm and violence toward others.
Authorities said investigators quickly identified the juvenile suspect and determined there was no active threat to students or staff after the arrest was made.
The 12-year-old girl was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention facility.
She is facing felony charges including written threats to commit a mass shooting and unlawful use of a communications device, according to deputies.
Officials credited the school monitoring system and rapid response from investigators for helping detect the alleged threats before any violence occurred.
The investigation remains ongoing.