On the night of October 28, 2024, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip through Fortify FL, regarding a 17-year-old juvenile who verbally threatened to “shoot up a school.” An SRO (School Resource Officer) with the Sheriff’s Office working at Poinciana High School was notified of the threats and advised of the identity of the juvenile suspect in question. The SRO went to the juvenile’s address and immediately contacted the juvenile and the juvenile’s mother.
When deputies confronted the juvenile about the incident, he became very nervous and briefly fainted. Deputies then asked the mother if they could do a safety inspection of her residence to make sure there were no firearms inside the home that would be accessible to the juvenile. The mother agreed. During the search, deputies discovered the juvenile’s backpack, which he typically brings to school. Inside the backpack, deputies found a clear bottle labeled “Crown Royal Regal Apple,” a black Glock 19, and a 34-round extended magazine.
The juvenile was asked by deputies where he obtained the firearm. The juvenile said he found the gun in Orlando and admitted that he did not own the firearm. A search of the firearm’s serial number revealed it was reported as stolen. Cannabis and paraphernalia were also discovered in the juvenile’s room. While going through the juvenile’s dresser drawer, additional bullets were also discovered.
The juvenile has been arrested for the following crimes and is currently being held without bond:
• Grand theft of a firearm
•Possession of a firearm by a minor
•Possession of marijuana under 20 grams
•Possession of alcohol by a person under 21
•Possession of drug paraphernalia.
A Fortify FL tip prevented an unimaginable tragedy in this case. The Sheriff’s Office strongly encourages the public to report any indications of threats to school safety so we can continue to prevent these issues in the future.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving our community and increasing public safety. Anyone with information related to this case or any other similar incidents, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 348-2222
