The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a student for making an online threat.
On September 5, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., HCSO's School Threat Assessment and Response Team responded to Bloomingdale High School after a student made an online threat on social media.
When detectives arrived, they met with Avery Rhodes, 15, who posted a photo on Snapchat with the caption saying, "ok imma shoot the school up."
Rhodes was taken into custody and charged with one count of Written or Electronic Threat to Conduct a Mass Shooting or Act of Terrorism and one count of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device.
"This behavior is not a joke. Threatening the safety of our schools, whether online or in person, will not be tolerated," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We will pursue anyone who makes these threats to the fullest extent of the law. The safety of our students and teachers is non-negotiable, and we will not hesitate to take action.”
At this time, detectives do not believe Rhodes had access to any weapons.
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.