Lake City, FL – A reported threat involving a firearm triggered a lockdown at Lake City Middle School late Monday morning, disrupting classes and prompting a law enforcement response across Columbia County.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 11:40 a.m. on April 27, 2026, when multiple students reported that a classmate allegedly claimed to have “lost” a handgun on campus. The reports prompted immediate action from school officials and the school resource deputy, who secured the classroom and removed the student for questioning.
Investigators said the 14-year-old was later observed searching their backpack with a flashlight, appearing to look for the alleged weapon. A search of the student and their belongings found no firearm.
According to deputies, the student later admitted the claim was meant as a joke and acknowledged it went too far. The lockdown was lifted after officials confirmed there was no active threat.
Authorities say the student was arrested and taken to the Columbia County Detention Facility. Charges include false report of a weapon on campus, a third-degree felony, and disruption of school function, a second-degree misdemeanor.
The student was later released to the Department of Juvenile Justice following processing.
The sheriff’s office emphasized the seriousness of such incidents, noting that even jokes about firearms can lead to significant legal consequences, emergency responses, and widespread fear among students and staff in Lake City, located in North Florida near the Jacksonville metro region.
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