The Florida teenager was arrested after posting a video of him allegedly showing off his “very realistic” replica gun weapon and threatening to shoot a high school.
According to the Sanford Police Department, 17-year-old Timothy Thomas was arrested Sunday night after police in Sanford, just northeast of Orlando, received anonymous hints about an online threat of shooting Seminole High School.
The video showed multiple guns, vests, knives and “other items of concern,” officers said.
Police identified Thomas from the video and arrested him at his home without incident.
The teenager is a student at an elevation high school, police said why he is not believed to have threatened another school.
They seized multiple weapons at home, and police identified them in a press release as “a very realistic airsoft replica.”
The teen is being charged with threats in writing or electronic threats of mass shootings or terrorist acts.
Police Chief Cecil Smith praised the law enforcement's rapid action and thwarted the possibility of a “tragedy.”
“Thomas's rapid identification and arrest is a direct result of the immediate cooperation and dedication of multiple local and federal agencies and organizations. This fast action and team likely prevented tragedy and saved multiple lives.”
Serita Bamon, principal of Seminole County Public Schools, said in a statement that he is grateful to all involved agencies.
“The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, and we will take potential threats seriously and continue to act promptly,” she said.
