Palm Bay Police Arrest 15-Year-Old for Threatening Mass Shooting at Central Middle School in West Melbourne

Stone Middle School student made electronic statement threatening mass shooting

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – A 15-year-old Palm Bay resident has been arrested after admitting to making a written threat of mass violence targeting Central Middle School in West Melbourne, according to the Palm Bay Police Department.

According to Palm Bay Police Sgt. Vincent Galioto, the investigation began when the Melbourne Police Department notified Palm Bay authorities that a Stone Middle School student had made an electronic statement threatening a mass shooting at Central Middle School.

Detectives from the Palm Bay Police Department’s Special Victims Unit met with the student and his parents on Tuesday.

During the interview, the 15-year-old admitted to making the threatening statement. He was subsequently taken into custody and charged with making written threats to conduct a mass shooting, a felony under Florida law.

The suspect was transported to the Brevard County Juvenile Detention Center.

In a statement, the Palm Bay Police Department emphasized its continued commitment to the safety of students and school communities. The department also issued a reminder to parents to monitor their children’s cell phones and social media activity.

“Parents – please be aware of your children’s phones and social media accounts,” police said. “Remind them of the weight their words carry and that there will be consequences to their actions.”

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