Police say threats are aftermath of nine Wednesday arrests after Harmony High after-school brawl caught on video
Osceola County Sheriff's deputies have an added presence on the Harmony High School campus this morning after they found a threat of violence on campus today and at tonight's football game against St. Cloud false.
This comes after nine students were arrested Wednesday following an off-campus brawl last Friday; the 17-year-old victim required 11 stitches as a result of the incident.
Sheriff's spokesperson Capt. Kim Montes said deputies have vetted a report of a potential shooting by the victim of the fight. According to reports, OCSO received information Thursday the victim was going to travel to the football game tonight to cause a shooting. Deputies interviewed the victim of the fight and his family and determined that the threat was falsified "to make the victim look bad."
At a press conference at the school Friday, Sheriff' Office Maj. Alejandro Guevara said detectives have met with the victim's family and there was "no way possible the victim could engage in that kind of behavior."
"We want to send a clear message to students sending clear misinformation and mislead the active investigation since the fight: we are going to arrest you, whether in school or out of school, and it's not funny anymore," he said.
Montes characterized what's gone on since the Wednesday arrests as a "panic situation."
"This morning an alleged text message was circulated that a shooting would happen at the school. The threats that have occurred have been all rumors, and none have been credible, but parents have been going in droves to pick up their students."
She reiterated that Harmony High was never on lockdown Friday, despite an added law enforcement presence.
"We definitely want people to report tips, but in this case it feels like people are targeting this kid to deflect from what happened."
The game, dubbed the Soldier City Classic between the two rival teams, will proceed as scheduled, albeit with a heavier security presence. The Sheriff's Office will be in force with 10 extra deputies, K-9 and Mounted patrol present. The St. Cloud Police Department will also have officers in attendance.
"Everyone will be safe," Guevara said, a message Montes reiterated.
"OCSO is working with school officials and the staff at Harmony High School to make sure everyone is safe, Montes said. False reports of a shooting will not be tolerated and if the suspect is identified, that person will be charged."
The game is among four occurring tonight in Osceola County, and one of seven involving county teams.
