Florida

Southwest Florida Student Accused of Bringing Knife, Hit List to School

In an interview with Jawan Strader, Dr. Robert Runcie talks about the heartbreaking tragedy his district has been dealing with over the past week – and what changes he thinks need to be made to keep kids safe.

What to Know

  • The student was arrested Monday after investigators received a tip on Friday that the student brought a gas mask to school.
  • Inside his backpack, deputies found a "realistic looking" Los Angeles Police Department badge, a map of the Naples school and a "hit list."

Deputies in Florida have arrested an 18-year-old high school student who they say brought a knife and a backpack filled with disturbing items to school.

A news release from the Collier County Sheriff's Office says the student was arrested Monday after investigators received a tip on Friday that the student, identified by NBC affiliate WBBH-TV as 18-year-old Benjamin Mendoza, brought a gas mask to school.

Inside his backpack, deputies found a "realistic looking" Los Angeles Police Department badge, a map of Palmetto Ridge High School in Naples and a list of student names.

The Naples Daily News reports the list included a drawing of a student with bullet holes in the chest and head. The words "dead ha ha dead" were also written on the paper. A note in the backpack said "shoot up school."

He's accused of having a weapon on school grounds. The sheriff's office also reported that a 13-year-old was arrested at a middle school after a knife was found in his locker. The student - who is charged with a felony count of having a weapon on school grounds - allegedly posted a photo of the knife on social media this weekend, which led to a search.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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