A 14-year-old student was arrested Monday after allegedly threatening a school shooting at St. Cloud Middle School during a TikTok livestream. Following an investigation by the St. Cloud Police Department, the teen faces felony charges for the incident, which occurred over the weekend and prompted an immediate law enforcement response.
The investigation into the student began Saturday evening when a school resource officer with the St. Cloud Police Department received notification of a disturbing statement made during a live broadcast on TikTok. According to WFTV Channel 9, detectives identified the 14-year-old suspect by interviewing witnesses and reviewing digital evidence, specifically screenshots captured from the social media platform.
Detectives Interrogate Student in St. Cloud
Law enforcement officials located and interviewed the teenager on Sunday morning. During the questioning process, the suspect admitted to making the statement on the livestream but claimed he had no actual intent to carry out the act of violence, police stated.
Despite the student’s claim of lack of intent, the St. Cloud Police Department established probable cause for an arrest. The teen is currently facing felony charges for written or electronic threats to kill or cause bodily injury, along with the unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Police Chief Emphasizes School Safety
St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke addressed the gravity of the situation in a public statement following the arrest. He noted that the department maintains a zero-tolerance stance regarding threats directed toward educational facilities, regardless of the medium used to convey them.
The safety of our students, teachers and school staff is one of our highest priorities. Any threat of violence directed toward our schools is taken seriously, regardless of whether it is made in person or through social media.
Chief Goerke further stated that the department is working in coordination with the Osceola County School District. The goal of this collaboration is to maintain a secure environment for students and staff across the district, according to the police department.
Authorities Advise Social Media Oversight
In the wake of the arrest, the St. Cloud Police Department issued a reminder to the public regarding the severe criminal consequences associated with posting threats of violence online. Officials are encouraging parents and guardians to initiate conversations with their children about the risks of irresponsible social media usage.
The department also stressed the necessity of reporting any concerning behavior or statements to law enforcement or school officials immediately. Residents who have additional information regarding potential threats to school safety are encouraged to contact the St. Cloud Police Department at 407-891-6700 or dial 911 for emergency situations.
| Action | Contact Method |
|---|---|
| Report a threat | 407-891-6700 |
| Emergency assistance | 911 |
Authorities continue to process evidence related to the electronic communication as the investigation continues. The public can access free news, weather, and smart TV applications provided by WFTV Channel 9, or stream their live broadcasts, for updates on local news and safety alerts.
