16-year-old arrested and charged with crime after posting threatening message on Xbox – WFTV

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced on social media that they arrested a 16-year-old student on Sunday for making a threatening statement.

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The Deltona high school student was playing on Xbox, became angry at players and posted a photo of a gun along with a threatening message, Chitwood said.

Chitwood said they responded to Fortify Florida's tip-off around 1 p.m.

The teenager is accused of making a written death threat.

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Chitwood said: “Parents, you need to closely monitor your children's activities on their phones, social media, Xbox, etc.”

Investigators said the photo of the gun was downloaded from the Internet and the teenager did not own a gun.

The teenager's father said: “His weapons are locked away and cannot be retrieved.”

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“I am aware that other parents, including those of school shooters in Michigan and Georgia, have claimed that their child would never get their hands on a gun to commit a shooting.” Chitwood said, “Again, this student did not directly threaten a school, but we have passed the point where such posts or threats can be taken lightly.”

Officials said the teenager made statements that suggested he had thoughts of self-harm.

VSO said the teenager was being evaluated and receiving psychiatric treatment.

Chitwood said, “This is simply not sustainable for our community or our society. If you haven't spoken to your child in a while or taken tough action as a parent, now is the time.”

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