Fort Myers, FL – A 12-year-old student at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts was arrested Thursday after allegedly planning to plant bombs around the school.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest occurred March 27 after students alerted school staff about disturbing drawings and conversations suggesting a potential violent plot. The School Threat Enforcement Team (STET) launched an immediate investigation and discovered evidence of a detailed plan targeting the school campus.
Authorities say the student had mapped out locations for placing explosive devices and written a manifesto expressing an intent to commit violent acts. Detectives also searched the student’s school-issued Chromebook, uncovering videos and internet searches related to bomb-making, serial killers, and terrorism.
The student is charged with written or electronic threats to commit an act of terrorism, as well as threats to discharge a destructive device. The Lee County School District is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno credited fellow students for speaking up. “I am beyond proud of the students who spoke up when they learned their peer had made violent plans,” he said.
Officials urge parents to speak with their children about reporting threats and suspicious behavior. STET continues to work with district leaders to ensure student safety across all campuses.
