Press release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Last week there was a potential threat to schools circulating on social media, and it was proven to be a hoax by law enforcement. Since this past Friday, our Juvenile Relations Bureau informed us that there were more than 20 tips regarding threats to schools. Many of them were electronic in nature and came from outside our area. Our deputies take each one seriously, fully investigating them to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 11-year-old Kanapaha Middle School (KMS) student Darium Lizarazo (DOB 12/3/12) sent several messages to another student, stating, “I will go to your school tomorrow Kanapaha Middle School… There is going to be a shootout.” The School Resource Deputy and school staff were made aware of the threat and were informed that the suspect was not on campus. Deputies responded to the suspect’s residence and made contact with him in person. The suspect admitted he sent the message and said it was a joke. Lizarazo was arrested and charged with written threats to do harm, Florida Statute 836.10.