On October 19th, the Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) responded swiftly to an online bomb threat targeting Southport Middle School, highlighting the seriousness of electronic threats in Port St. Lucie schools. The main keyword, Port St. Lucie Police, is central to this incident, which involved a 14-year-old student arrested after posting a threatening video on TikTok.

Port St. Lucie Police Respond to TikTok Bomb Threat

According to PSLPD, multiple calls from concerned parents were received around 5:30 PM on October 19th regarding a TikTok video threatening to bomb Southport Middle School on October 20th. The video, which circulated widely, included the message: “On Monday The 20th Southport middle Is getting bombed by me Stay home alright.” One parent provided a screenshot of the threat, helping officers begin their investigation immediately. In a similar case, Port St. Lucie Police investigated a threat at St. Lucie Centennial High School, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by local law enforcement.

Detectives traced the TikTok account, registered under the name “Benjamin Franklyn,” to an IP address provided by Comcast. According to a preliminary PSLPD report, investigators identified the type of phone used and the account creation date and time. This digital evidence was crucial in narrowing down the suspect.

Investigation Leads to Quick Arrest by Port St. Lucie Police

The investigation led PSLPD detectives to a residence in Port St. Lucie. Officers identified a 14-year-old male student at Southport Middle School as the creator of the TikTok account and the video. According to PSLPD, the juvenile admitted that the threat was intended as a prank and did not possess any bomb-making materials. This is not the first time authorities have responded to such incidents; recently, a young Fort Pierce student was arrested for cyberthreats in Port St. Lucie, highlighting the growing concern over digital threats among youth.

Throughout the investigation, officers kept School Security informed of the specific threats. The suspect was taken into custody within five hours of the first report and charged with one count of FSS 836.10 – Electronic Threats to Kill, Do Bodily Injury, or Conduct an Act of Terrorism. He was later transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice, according to official sources.

Florida’s Recent Surge in School Threats

This incident occurred during a period of increased threats to schools across Florida. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), over 40 school districts received hoax bomb threats via email just days earlier. These threats, part of a statewide swatting campaign, prompted heightened security in many counties, including nearby Martin and Palm Beach.

Unlike the mass email threats, the Port St. Lucie case involved a local student and a direct social media post. According to PSLPD, this distinction allowed for a rapid response and resolution, ensuring the safety of students and staff at Southport Middle School. In another recent event, a Port St. Lucie student was charged over online threats at St. Lucie West K-8, demonstrating the frequency of such incidents in the region.

Legal Consequences for Electronic Threats in Port St. Lucie

Florida law treats electronic threats to schools with utmost seriousness. Under FSS 836.10, making electronic threats to kill, cause bodily injury, or commit an act of terrorism is a felony. According to PSLPD, even threats intended as pranks can result in criminal charges, especially when they disrupt school operations and cause public alarm.

Florida strengthened its anti-swatting laws in July 2024, increasing penalties for false emergency reports that target schools. According to the new law, swatting incidents resulting in injury are classified as third-degree felonies, and those causing death are second-degree felonies. Courts may also order restitution to law enforcement and victims.

Digital Forensics and Law Enforcement in Port St. Lucie

According to PSLPD, the rapid identification and arrest of the suspect demonstrate the effectiveness of digital forensics in modern policing. Investigators used IP address tracking, device identification, and account creation data to quickly trace the threat to its source. This approach highlights the importance of technology in responding to school safety threats.

Officials reported that school security was notified throughout the investigation, allowing for coordinated safety measures. According to PSLPD, the suspect did not have access to any materials that could be used to construct a bomb, and the threat was not credible. However, the response was treated with full seriousness to ensure public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Police

What happened at Southport Middle School involving Port St. Lucie Police?

Port St. Lucie Police arrested a 14-year-old student who posted a bomb threat on TikTok targeting Southport Middle School. The student was charged with making electronic threats and was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

How did Port St. Lucie Police identify the suspect in the TikTok bomb threat?

Detectives traced the TikTok account to an IP address and device registered in Port St. Lucie. They identified the student through digital evidence and quickly made an arrest within five hours.

Are electronic threats to schools treated as felonies in Port St. Lucie?

Yes, under Florida law, making electronic threats to schools is a felony. Even if the threat is intended as a prank, it can result in serious legal consequences.

Can Port St. Lucie Police trace threats made on social media?

Yes, Port St. Lucie Police use digital forensics to trace threats on social media. They can identify suspects through IP addresses, device information, and account data.

Where can I report a school threat in Port St. Lucie?

You can report school threats to the Port St. Lucie Police Department by calling their non-emergency number or contacting school officials. All threats are taken seriously and investigated promptly.

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