In a recent court decision, a judge in Sarasota County, Florida, has denied a 12-year-old boy access to guns and ammunition after he was accused of making threats towards his school and teachers. The decision has brought a sense of relief for one parent within the Sarasota County Schools community, where concerns have been high since the incident. The threats were discovered when deputies conducted a threat assessment at the child’s home and found maps with alarming words next to the names of two teachers. The child claimed it was a harmless prank, but the discovery of multiple unsecured firearms intensified the concerns. However, a Pediatric Neuropsychologist testified that the boy, who has ADHD, does not pose a risk to himself or others. The ruling has left many questioning the decision.
Background
Threats against school and teachers
In Sarasota County, Florida, a 12-year-old boy has been accused of making threats against a local school and teachers. These threats have raised concerns among parents and law enforcement officials, prompting an investigation into the matter.
Concerns raised by deputies
After receiving information about the alleged threats, deputies conducted a threat assessment at the child’s home. This assessment was requested by the Sarasota County Schools (SCS) police officers who took the situation seriously and wanted to ensure the safety of the school and its staff.
Discovery of maps and firearms
During the assessment, detectives discovered maps belonging to the child that contained disturbing language. The maps had the words “destroy” and “eliminated” written next to the names of two teachers from Lakeview Elementary School. In addition, the maps also had markings indicating the locations of security cameras in the school.
Furthermore, detectives found multiple unsecured firearms at the child’s home, which raised serious concerns about the potential danger posed by the child having access to these weapons.
Risk Protection Order Extension
Judge’s decision
In light of the threats made by the 12-year-old boy and the discovery of firearms, a judge decided to extend a Risk Protection Order against the child. This order restricts the child’s access to guns and ammunition for the next 12 months, ensuring the safety of the school and the community.
Relief for parents
The decision to extend the Risk Protection Order brought some relief to parents in the Sarasota County Schools district. With these additional safety measures in place, parents can feel more confident that their children are protected while at school.
Parental Concerns
Scare and high alert
The threats made by the 12-year-old and the subsequent investigation have caused a lot of scare and put parents on high alert. The safety and well-being of their children are paramount, and any potential threat is taken very seriously.
Impact on Sarasota County Schools
The incidents involving the 12-year-old and the threats against the school and teachers have had an impact on the Sarasota County Schools. The district and its officials are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and staff members. Efforts are being made to further enhance security measures and ensure the peace of mind of parents and the community.
Threat Assessment
Deputies’ assessment
Deputies conducted a thorough assessment of the threats made by the 12-year-old. This assessment involved examining the evidence, speaking to witnesses, and evaluating the potential risk posed by the child. Taking into account the seriousness of the situation, law enforcement officials determined that further action was necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.
Request by SCS police officers
The threat assessment at the child’s home was requested by the SCS police officers who were concerned about the safety of the school and its staff. This proactive approach demonstrates the dedication of the police force to prevent any harm and address potential threats immediately.
Discovery of Maps
Maps with threatening language
Detectives discovered maps at the child’s home that contained alarming language. The words “destroy” and “eliminated” were written next to the names of two teachers from Lakeview Elementary School. This discovery raised serious concerns about the intentions behind these maps and the potential harm that could be caused.
Teachers identified
The threatening language on the maps specifically targeted two teachers from Lakeview Elementary School. These educators, who dedicate themselves to the education and well-being of their students, were directly impacted by the 12-year-old’s actions. The discovery of the threats heightened the need for swift action by law enforcement.
Markings of security cameras
In addition to the threatening language, these maps also included markings indicating the locations of security cameras in the school. This information suggests possible surveillance and an attempt to undermine the school’s security measures. The presence of these markings further escalated concerns about the potential harm the child could inflict.
Child’s Explanation
Denial of harm
During the investigation, the 12-year-old child denied any intention of causing harm. He claimed that the maps and the language were part of a prank that he was planning to play with his younger sister. However, given the seriousness of the situation and the potential risks involved, his explanation was met with caution and further investigation.
Prank with younger sister
According to the child, the threatening language on the maps was meant as a prank with his younger sister. While the child may not have intended to cause harm, the nature of the threats and the discovery of firearms raised concerns that needed to be addressed.
Unsecured Firearms
Multiple firearms found
During the investigation, detectives found multiple unsecured firearms at the child’s home. The existence of these firearms heightened the concerns raised by the threats made against the school and teachers. The presence of unsecured firearms in the hands of a minor posed a significant risk to the child’s safety, the safety of others, and the community at large.
Concerns raised by detectives
Upon discovering the unsecured firearms, detectives expressed their concerns regarding the child’s access and ability to handle these weapons. Given the threats and the potential dangers associated with firearms, their concerns were well-founded. Addressing these concerns and ensuring the child’s safe and responsible handling of firearms became a priority.
Expert Testimony
Neuropsychologist’s assessment
A Pediatric Neuropsychologist provided expert testimony during the proceedings. According to this expert, the 12-year-old child has been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). While ADHD may present challenges, the expert assessed that the child does not pose a risk of harming himself or others. The expert’s assessment provided valuable insights into the child’s condition and helped inform the decision-making process.
ADHD diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD shed light on the 12-year-old’s cognitive and behavioral characteristics, which could impact his decision-making and impulse control. This diagnosis played a crucial role in understanding the child’s actions and evaluating the level of risk he might pose.
No risk of harm to self or others
Based on the expert testimony, it was determined that the child did not present an immediate risk of harming himself or others. This evaluation was an important consideration in the decision-making process regarding the child’s access to firearms and ammunition.
Attorney’s Statement
12-year-old’s restrictions on firearms and ammunition
Following the judge’s decision to extend the Risk Protection Order, the child’s attorney, Justin Drach, addressed the implications of the ruling. As a result of the order, the 12-year-old is now prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition for the next 12 months. This restriction aims to ensure the safety of both the child and others while giving him an opportunity to demonstrate responsible behavior and growth.
Attorney’s perspective
The child’s attorney, Justin Drach, provided insight into the legal perspective surrounding the case. While acknowledging the seriousness of the threats and firearms discovery, he emphasized the unique circumstances of the situation involving a 12-year-old. The attorney’s goal is to guide the child through this process, ensuring that he has the necessary support and resources to learn from this experience and make positive changes.
In conclusion, the judge’s decision to extend the Risk Protection Order addresses the concerns raised by the threats made by the 12-year-old child and the presence of unsecured firearms. This decision provides relief to parents and the community, while also allowing the child an opportunity for growth and rehabilitation. The expert testimony regarding the child’s ADHD diagnosis further informs the understanding of the situation and emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns. With the guidance of the child’s attorney and the commitment of law enforcement and school officials, steps are being taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved and create a secure learning environment for all students in the Sarasota County Schools district.