A South Florida high school student who was arrested Monday after police accused the teen of threatening to kill a classmate and bringing a knife to school faced a judge Tuesday morning.
The teen suspect, who celebrated a 17th birthday Sunday, was found carrying a knife at Palmer Trinity School in Palmetto Bay, an arrest report said. NBC 6 withholds the identity of the suspect because he is a minor.
The teen was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a weapon on school grounds. He will remain on house arrest pending a trial, allowed to leave only for school and church.
Police got a tip from a parent warning that there was going to be a shooting at the school. Detectives later learned the teen suspect threatened to shoot his classmate and stab him in the neck, according to an arrest report. The threat was made via text message, police said.
When the teen was taken into custody at the school, officers found a spring loaded, black 4 inch pocket knife in his book bag, according to police. The teen suspect allegedly told police that he carries the knife all the time, but never pulls it out.
"We cannot allow these types of cases to escalate to the level of violence where obviously someone gets hurt," said Alberto Zabaleta, Miami-Dade Police spokesman.
"I was sad, wasn't expecting that from this school...knowing all the kids here are very nice and very well behaved, very respectful," said Brock Serrate, a student at the school.
Palmer Trinity School released a statement regarding Monday's incident:
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"Earlier today, we were made aware of a situation by the Miami-Dade County Police (MDCP) involving one upperclassman. The student was quickly removed from campus by MDCP. The situation has been resolved and we are cooperating with local authorities. As always, Palmer Trinity School is dedicated to preserving the safety and well-being of all of our students, faculty, and staff. "
