Student arrested in connection with Dr. Phillips High shooting threat

ORLANDO  Orlando police arrested a 15-year-old student Monday, Sept. 12, in connection with written threats made to “shoot up” Westridge Middle School and Dr. Phillips High School.

According to a police report, Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Orlando Police Department were notified Monday of the threats, which were made via text messages through the messaging app Kik. The messages stated “At least 25 students killed September Tuesday 13, Dr. Philips.” The student also reportedly sent a photo of a handgun.

The messages were sent in a group chat on Sunday, Sept. 11. Detectives interviewed three Westridge Middle students who were involved in the chat before questioning the student, who admitted to making the threats and sending them as a joke, the report states. 

Officials arrested the student for written threats to kill or do bodily harm. They also searched the home for the handgun but did not find one.

“…These threats cause great concern at our area schools and we take them very seriously,” Orlando Police stated. “Whether they are meant as pranks or as serious threats, we, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office are committed to investigating these types of threats and making arrests.”

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].