Bomb Threat To Space Coast Christian Academy Prompts Swift Action By Authorities, Teen Suspect Arrested
By Space Coast Daily // April 16, 2018
"We take these types of cases very seriously," said Chief Cantaloupe
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Detectives have arrested a Merritt Island teen, 16, on Monday after reportedly making a bomb threat to Space Coast Christian Academy on Monday.
According to investigators, the teen warned followers on Snapchat about blowing up the school before 11 a.m.
Authorities say the message quickly reached school administrators who then contacted police.
“The investigation began just after 7:30 a.m. when school administrators contacted police,” said Yvonne Martinez of the Cocoa Police Department.
“The school was shut down and students were forced to go to another location until the scene could be cleared safe to return.”
Bomb sniffing dogs with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office were called in to search the campus on Michigan Ave.
No devices were discovered after a thorough search and students were allowed to return class.
“Further investigation revealed (the juvenile) was the source of the message,” said Martinez.
“Detectives determined (the juvenile) created a pseudo Snapchat account using a fictitious name to send the threatening message to (the juvenile) real account.The suspect then sent a screen capture of the message to a female friend and a family member who then sent the message to the school leaders.”
Cocoa Police Chief Mike Cantaloupe says incidents like this are no joke.
“We take these types of cases very seriously,” said Chief Mike Cantaloupe.
“These kids need to understand the far reaching consequences of their actions. There are significant resources put into play to deal with these situations; resources that are needed for other potential emergencies.”
Under Florida Statutes, making a false bomb threat is a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum 15-years prison if the case is handled in the adult court.
Since the suspect is a juvenile, the case will be handled in the juvenile justice system with different penalties.
The suspect was turned over to juvenile authorities where he will be given a court date.
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