Student, 13, arrested after reporting fake threat at at least one school, BSO says

A 13-year-old boy was arrested after he allegedly triggered a lockdown at at least one Broward school by reporting a fake threat on Wednesday, authorities said.

Broward Sheriff’s Office officials said they received reports of a possible threat to Deerfield Beach Middle School around 12:30 p.m. About 15 minutes later, they received reports of a possible threat to Cypress Bay High School in Weston.

Both schools were placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution, officials said.

Deputies and detectives responded to both schools to investigate, and Cypress Bay was later given the all clear. Broward County Public Schools officials said an anonymous tip had been received about the possible threat, but did not elaborate.

“School administrators are working closely with law enforcement, and there is no immediate indication of danger. The safety of students and staff remains our top priority,” the district said in a statement at the time.

Authorities said on Thursday that they had arrested a suspect in connection to the Deerfield Beach case who was himself a student at the middle school. NBC6 is not identifying him because he is a minor and is not charged as an adult.

The teen was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center for processing. 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.