A 13-year-old boy is facing charges after he threatened to kill another teenager and sent him a photo of a handgun through Instagram, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
How the Threat Unfolded
The investigation began on July 7 when the victim’s mother called 911 to report that her son had received a series of alarming messages on Instagram.
The 13-year-old victim told deputies he had gotten a photo from the suspect showing him holding a handgun, along with a written message that read “Tn 8:00 pm we be there we alr got lo.” Deputies said the message translates to “Tonight 8:00 pm we be there we already got location.”
The victim told investigators he believed the suspect was planning to come to his home and shoot him at 8 p.m. that night. Deputies responded quickly to look into the threat and identify the person behind it.
Suspect Says It Was Supposed to Be a Fight
When questioned, the suspect admitted to sending the messages. He told deputies that he and the victim used to be friends but had a falling out. According to the suspect, the two had messaged each other that day and agreed to fight, though the victim said he feared it was going to be much more serious than that.
Sheriff Rick Staly addressed the incident, saying threats like this are never something the office takes lightly. He noted that the teen had already arranged to meet up and fight the victim, but the photo and wording made clear a physical fight wasn’t the only plan on the table. Staly urged parents to stay involved in what their children are doing online and who they are communicating with, adding that teaching kids healthy ways to resolve conflict starts at home.
Deputies arrested the boy and took him to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He was later transferred into the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
The case is a reminder for parents to keep an eye on their children’s social media use, especially conversations that escalate quickly. Investigators say the quick 911 call from the victim’s mother played a key role in getting deputies involved before anything happened at the planned meeting time.
No further details about additional charges, including any involving the firearm’s owner, have been released at this time.
