Homestead student in custody over fake school threat. 3 charter schools were under lockdown
A false school threat put a charter high school in Homestead and its neighboring elementary school campuses on lockdown Thursday morning as police swarmed the buildings. Hours later, officers gave the all clear and took into custody a student who they believe to be responsible.
Around 11 a.m., Homestead police received an anonymous tip advising of a threat of violence or shooting at the Keys Gate Charter High School, 2325 SE 28th Ave., the department said on Facebook.
The high school and its nearby K-1 and 2-5 buildings were placed under lockdown as Homestead officers flooded the school. Miami-Dade police officers and local federal agencies later joined to assist.
Detectives began to investigate as other officers conducted a room-by-room search for weapons, police said.
Parents received an email from the school saying that police were investigating a tip about a possible threat.
Around 2 p.m., the lockdowns were lifted and the “all clear” was given, said Colleen Reynolds, a school spokeswoman. Students continued their classes and had a regular dismissal.
The investigation revealed a student had made a false threat, police said. The student was taken into custody and will be charged as well as face discipline by the school administrators.
It’s unclear exactly what charges the student will face.
“The Homestead Police Department would like to remind the public that disruption of school functions is against the law,” the department said.
This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 12:19 PM.
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