In a recent event that raised alarms within the Hillsborough County community, a student was arrested for allegedly making a threat towards Dowdell Middle Magnet School. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported that on the morning of September 6, they received a tip about a student's online post that threatened a shooting at the school.
The student, identified as Carmen Roman, 13, purportedly posted a message on her Instagram stating, "im the one whos gonna shoot up dowdell middle magnet." Following up on the anonymous online tip, detectives swiftly arrived at the school at 8:20 a.m., where they found Roman, who claimed that her post was meant as a joke. Found without any firearms or weapons, Roman was nevertheless taken into custody.
Roman now faces charges including one count of Written or Electronic Threat to Conduct a Mass Shooting or Act of Terrorism and one count of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device. The Sheriff's Office has underscored the gravity of such threats, urging parents to communicate the seriousness of these actions to their children.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his concerns in a statement, saying, "It's horrific to see that, in just two days, we've had students making online threats as jokes. These threats are not funny, and they come with serious consequences." Commending the individual who reported the threat, Chronister emphasized the role of the community in preventing potential tragedies. Allowing detectives to act swiftly, they could ensure the safety of students and teachers at the school.
The investigation into the incident remains active and updates will come from the Public Affairs Office. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the necessity for vigilance in monitoring online activity and the importance of community involvement in reporting dangers.
