For Clay Today
CLAY COUNTY - An Argyle Elementary student was arrested on Friday after the Clay County Sheriff's Office said they threatened to harm students and staff.
CCSO conducted an investigation and threat assessment after the 12-year-old student was observed writing a “death note” containing the names of several students and school staff members.
A student, who was seated near the suspect while the note was being written, observed the note and immediately notified the teacher. The suspect then discarded the note in a trash can. The teacher retrieved it and promptly notified school administration and the School Resource Officer.
Following a thorough investigation and in collaboration with Clay County District Schools, the suspect was quickly identified, interviewed, arrested and charged with "written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism"
The suspect was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice - Duval County Detention Center. They will also face disciplinary action in accordance with the school district’s Student Code of Conduct.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats involving schools seriously and will continue working closely with Clay County District Schools to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.
"Threats of violence will not be tolerated. Our schools are places for growing and learning without fear or harm," the agency said in a statement. "We commend the student who recognized concerning behavior and immediately reported it to a teacher. This incident serves as an important reminder: if you see or hear something, say something."
CCSO encourages the community to report threats or any other suspicious activity at schools via the FortifyFL app, the SaferWatch app or by contacting the agency by phone at (904)264-6512
