Southwest Florida student took knife, hit list to school, deputies say

Benjamin Mendoza, 18, faces charges of possession of a weapon on school grounds

Benjamin Mendoza.

NAPLES, Fla. – Deputies in Florida have arrested an 18-year-old high school student who they say brought a knife and a backpack filled with disturbing items to school.

Benjamin Mendoza, 18, faces charges of possession of a weapon on school grounds and disruption of a school function.

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A news release from the Collier County Sheriff's Office says Mendoza was arrested Monday after investigators received a tip on Friday that the student brought a gas mask to school. Inside his backpack, deputies found a "realistic looking" Los Angeles Police Department badge, a map of Palmetto Ridge High School in Naples and a list of student names.

The Naples Daily News reports the list included a drawing of a student with bullet holes in the chest and head. The words "dead ha ha dead" were also written on the paper. A note in the backpack said "shoot up school."

 


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