OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Extra deputies are on campus at Harmony High School Friday after investigators determined shooting threats were false and believe someone fabricated an allegation to implicate the victim of a recent student attack.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said deputies interviewed the teen and his family and determined that a claim he planned to carry out a shooting at Friday night’s football game was false. An alleged text message about a shooting at the school circulated Friday morning and also was determined to be false.
The teen was injured in an Oct. 16 attack that led to the arrests of nine Harmony High School students Wednesday.
The Sheriff’s Office initially reported the school was on lockdown, then corrected its statement to say it was not. Friday night’s football game remains scheduled with additional security.
Deputies investigate false reports
The Sheriff’s Office said it received information Thursday night alleging the attack victim planned to go to Friday’s football game and carry out a shooting.
After interviewing the teen and his family, investigators determined that allegation was fabricated.
An alleged text message claiming a shooting would happen at the school circulated Friday morning. Deputies said that threat also was determined to be false.
The Sheriff’s Office said anyone identified as responsible for making a false shooting report would face charges.
Football game remains scheduled
Friday night’s football game at Harmony High School is still scheduled, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The agency plans to have 10 additional deputies, K-9 units and mounted patrol at the game. St. Cloud police officers also will attend.
Deputies said they are working with school officials and Harmony staff on safety arrangements.
Nine students arrested after attack
Channel 9 previously reported that a 17-year-old needed 11 stitches after students repeatedly punched him near a tunnel exiting the school Oct. 16.
Deputies said the teen had intervened earlier that day when other students were bullying a girl in the cafeteria.
Investigators arrested nine students Wednesday on felony charges of aggravated battery and inciting a riot. Two 18-year-olds were booked into the Osceola County Jail, and seven juveniles were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Read Channel 9’s earlier coverage of the attack and arrests.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.