Student arrested for making shooting threat at Estero High School
A 14-year-old boy was arrested for making a school shooting threat at Estero High School.
According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, 14-year-old Gavin Lapointe made a shooting threat in his art class on Nov. 7.
He walked up to another student in his class, saying, "Don't come to school tomorrow." The student then returned to her seat.
When she sat down, Lapointe walked up to her table and said, "Don't come to school tomorrow, my friend gonna..." and made finger guns saying, "Bang Bang," according to the LCSO report.
She then told the teacher that Lapointe's statement made her scared to come to school tomorrow.
The teacher then told the assistant principal about the situation, who then interviewed Lapointe with the school principal.
LCSO arrested Lapointe at his home after the situation was reported.
Lapointe is facing charges of a false report concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner.
Estero High School issued the following statement at 3:30 on Thursday:
"Good afternoon Wildcat family,
This email is to inform you about an incident at school today. First and foremost, our students were safe and the campus secure.
Thanks to the quick action of students who reported hearing a threat against our school during period 7, the Lee County Sheriff's Office was able to immediately respond. Detectives are continuing to investigate.
This kind of behavior will not be tolerated at Estero High School. The student involved will be disciplined per the Code of Conduct. Law enforcement will determine if an arrest is warranted. I will update you if there is new information.
Thank you for your trust and understanding.
Jennifer Briddell
Principal, Estero High School"
The school issued another one to families at 7 p.m. Thursday:
"Good evening Wildcat family,
I want to update you on the investigation into a threat against our school. The student involved has been arrested. On top of the legal consequences, they will also be disciplined to the fullest extent of the Student Code of Conduct.
Thanks again to the students who reported this information so it could immediately be investigated to keep our campus safe and secure. Teaching and learning will continue as normal tomorrow and we look forward to seeing everyone in class.
Jennifer Briddell
Principal, Estero High School"
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