Four Kids in Volusia County Face Threat Charges Over Five Days

Recent Arrests of Minors in Volusia County Over School Threats

In a series of alarming incidents, four children between the ages of 11 and 15 have been arrested in Volusia County for making school threats. The cases highlight growing concerns about youth behavior and the need for increased parental involvement and mental health support.

On September 12, law enforcement officials made two arrests involving teenagers. A 15-year-old student was taken into custody after allegedly writing a threat on his school laptop that included plans to bring a gun to Deltona High School and shoot another student. This message triggered an immediate alert, prompting a school resource officer to intervene before the teen could board the bus. The student later admitted to typing the threat but claimed it was not meant to be taken seriously. He said he was angry due to being bullied at school.

Later that same day, a 13-year-old was arrested for drawing an AR-15-style rifle on his desk at River Springs Middle School, along with the words “F*** my school” and a specific date and time. Deputies reported that the student had also been bullied but chose not to report the incident. Both students were charged with second-degree felony offenses and taken to the Volusia Family Resource Center for processing.

Escalation of Threats in the Following Days

The following days saw more troubling developments. On Monday, September 15, a 13-year-old was arrested after recording a video of himself loading and handling a gun, which he then sent to other students at Deltona Middle School. The video was accompanied by rap lyrics that referenced taking a life. This incident raised serious concerns about the influence of violent media on young minds and the potential for real-world violence.

Two days later, on September 16, an 11-year-old boy was taken into custody and charged with a felony for threatening his classmates. According to authorities, he wrote a "kill list" on his desk at Southwestern Middle School, citing anger and a bad day as the reason for his actions.

Expert Insights on Preventing Future Incidents

Licensed counselor Cherlette McCullough expressed deep concern over the arrest of minors for such serious offenses. She emphasized the importance of daily communication between parents and children, urging families to go beyond simple greetings and instead engage in meaningful conversations about their emotions and experiences.

“Check in with your kids. Not just saying how is your day going. But what feelings did you feel today? You know, checking their phones. I think it is the responsibility of parents to really go into their children's phones and really check around what they're looking at? What are their interests?” McCullough stated.

She also encouraged children to reach out to trusted adults when they are struggling, even if they don’t have the words to express their feelings. Sending a text or writing a letter can be effective ways for kids to communicate their emotions.

McCullough further advised parents to pay close attention to any changes in their child’s behavior. If a child starts losing interest in activities they once enjoyed or begins to withdraw from social interactions, it may be a sign that professional help is needed.

Resources for Families and Students

The Mental Health Association of Central Florida offers free counseling services for uninsured children, teens, and families. These resources can provide crucial support for those experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.

Parents and educators are reminded that early intervention and open communication can play a vital role in preventing similar incidents in the future. By staying informed and involved, families can help ensure the safety and well-being of their children.