Brooksville, Florida – A Springstead High School student is facing serious charges after deputies say he threatened classmates with a knife inside a school bathroom, preventing them from leaving.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded just after 8 a.m. Wednesday when a school resource deputy was alerted to a student reportedly armed with a knife in the boys’ restroom.
Investigators say multiple students entered the bathroom and encountered the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Erich Baugh. Deputies report Baugh covered his face with a mask, told students they would not be allowed to leave, and displayed a steak knife from his hoodie pocket.
Two students were initially allowed to leave after being warned, but others were temporarily prevented from exiting, prompting an immediate response from school officials and law enforcement.
Deputies quickly detained Baugh without incident and secured the weapon. No injuries were reported.
Authorities say Baugh later told investigators he had been dealing with personal issues and admitted he initially intended to escalate the situation further inside the school.
Baugh is charged with two counts of false imprisonment and one count of exhibiting a weapon on school grounds. He is being held without bond as the investigation continues.
Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the school, but the case remains under review.
