A 14-year-old from St. Petersburg is facing charges after deputies say he posted a photo on Snapchat threatening a school shooting.
According to Pinellas County detectives, the teenager posted a picture around 11 p.m. on Friday that said, “Round 3 on Florida on Tuesday.” Investigators say the photo indicated the shooting would take place at the Lealman Innovation Academy, where the suspect is a student.
The picture showed the teen holding what appeared to be an AR-15 style assault rifle. Detectives later recovered it and identified it as a BB gun.
The photo was taken just two days after a gunman opened fire at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, killing 17 people.
The sheriff’s office was notified of the post on Saturday afternoon after concerned citizens reported it. Shortly after they found out, they identified the suspect and went to his home.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect immediately told detectives, “I know why you are here, because of the photo.” The teen showed detectives the picture and admitted he took the selfie and posted it on his Snapchat.
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