A 15-year-old DeLand High School student was arrested yesterday after deputies say he sent a text message threatening to bring a bomb to campus, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The teen was taken into custody and faces felony charges tied to the alleged threat and the unlawful use of a communication device. Investigators say he told deputies he sent the message out of anger and had no actual plan to follow through, but the sheriff’s office is reminding families that school threats are never treated as jokes.
West Orlando News reports that the suspect, identified as 15-year-old Matthew Doerhoff, was arrested on charges of making a bomb threat and unlawful use of a communication device, citing information from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say they intend to pursue charges in line with state law.
Deputies Say Every Threat Triggers a Full Response
According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, any mention of explosives or bomb threats sets off a coordinated law enforcement response that can include searches, interviews, and close coordination with school officials. The agency’s resources page also directs the public to guidance on reporting suspicious activity and outlines what steps to take if someone receives a bomb threat.
What the Law Says
Under Florida law, making a false report about planting a bomb is a second-degree felony under Section 790.163, according to the Florida Senate. The Florida Department of Education’s campus disruption guidance classifies bomb threats and other false reports as serious offenses that can result in school discipline, including possible expulsion, along with referral to law enforcement.
How This Fits a Troubling Local Trend
The DeLand arrest comes amid a string of recent Volusia County cases where juveniles have been detained after allegedly posting threats or tips to school tip lines. ClickOrlando has highlighted similar incidents in recent months, including teens who later told investigators they were only “joking” after criminal investigations were already underway.
Reporting and School Response
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about potential threats to call 911 in an emergency or use official reporting channels listed on the Volusia County Sheriff's Office resources page. DeLand High School’s official website lists school contact points and notes that district officials work with law enforcement when safety-related incidents are reported.
