Reported threats investigated at multiple Broward schools, officials say

Reported threats were being investigated at multiple Broward schools on Friday following the arrest earlier this week of a student accused of reporting a fake shooting threat, officials said.

Broward Sheriff’s Office officials said they’re investigating a rumor circulating among students and on social media regarding a possible threat to Tequesta Trace Middle School in Weston.

“At this time, BSO detectives do not believe the threat is credible; however, we are following up on all leads,” BSO said in a statement Friday. “We remind the community that sharing unverified information can cause unnecessary concern.”

Broward County Public Schools officials also released a statement on the investigation.

“Broward County Public Schools is aware of concerns raised regarding student safety at Tequesta Trace Middle School. School administration is actively addressing reports related to student behavior in accordance with District policies and procedures,” the statement read. “All reported incidents are thoroughly reviewed and investigated, and appropriate disciplinary action is taken when warranted. The school administration is working closely with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which has advised that there is no indication of an active threat to the school.”

Officials said as a precaution, additional security measures and deputies are in place at the school.

There was also a heavy police presence at Hollywood Hills High School on Friday after the school was placed on secure status, officials said. The school later received the all clear.

“Law enforcement was at the school as a precautionary measure while they investigated a potential threat.  The school received an all-clear at approximately 3:25 p.m. and proceeded with dismissal,” Broward County Public Schools officials said in a statement.

No other details about the Hollywood Hills incident were immediately known.

Meanwhile, parents and guardians of students at Seminole Middle School in Plantation received a message Thursday from the principal that said students reported seeing “concerning writing” in a student restrooms about a possible incident happening on May 1.

Extra officers were brought to the campus and the school’s Friday pep rally was rescheduled, the message said.

In a follow-up message Friday, Principal Emily Gonzalez said the student responsible was identified.

“Upon becoming aware of the situation, we immediately conducted a thorough investigation in collaboration with the appropriate authorities. I am writing to inform you that the student responsible has been identified, and appropriate disciplinary action is being taken in accordance with district policies,” Gonzalez wrote. “I also want to reassure you that at no time was our school under an actual threat.”

The incidents follow two other reported threats at Broward schools this week.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested for triggering a lockdown at Deerfield Beach Middle School on Wednesday after he reported a fake threat, BSO officials said.

The teen, a student at the school, told investigators he had been playing “rock, paper, scissors” and said if he lost, he would have to call 911.

After he lost he called 911 and said he was “about to shoot the school,” authorities said.

He faces charges of false report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent manner, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, misuse of 911 and disruption of a school function.

About 15 minutes after the threat was made to Deerfield Beach Middle, authorities said they received reports of a possible threat to Cypress Bay High School in Weston.

Cypress Bay was also placed on lockdown before it was given the all clear.

Detectives believe the Cypress Bay High incident isn’t related to the Deerfield Beach Middle incident.