FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A 16-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student who became frustrated with two boys horse playing during class threatened to shoot one of them, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office Chief Steve Brandt said the teen made the threat during class Monday and was arrested Wednesday on a felony charge.
The victim said he and another student, who he has been friends with since childhood, were talking about a song, then started to pretend like they were going to box each other. The victim was walking toward his friend when the suspect blocked his path and told him not to touch the other boy and that he would shoot the victim, according to the report.
The victim said he got upset, so he told the suspect, "Well, do it," to which the suspect replied, "I will, just watch," the affidavit said.
"During that argument, or discussion, the student made threats to shoot another student in the face," Brandt said.
During an interview with a deputy, the suspect claimed the victim must have overheard him talking to someone while playing a video game, then later admitted to making the threat because he thought the boys were about to get in a fight near him and he wanted to intervene in order to protect himself, according to authorities.
Brandt said the student did not have any weapons but has made threats in the past.
"Flagler Schools is aware of the investigation into one our students by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. First, the safety of our students, teachers, and staff is of utmost concern. There is a student discipline procedure which we follow. At this time, an investigation is underway and we will not comment on the incident until that is complete," Flagler County Schools officials said in a statement.
The 16-year-old suspect told deputies he struggles to control his anger and believes he needs counseling.
He was arrested Wednesday on charges of simple assault and false report of threatening to use a weapon. He was taken to the Flagler County Detention Facility.
Brandt said students and their parents should know that any threat at school will be taken seriously.
"I think everybody needs to know, especially in our schools, that if you're going to make those types of statements, they're going to get reported, they're going to be investigated and they're going to be consequences," Brandt said.