ALACHUA – A 14-year-old Santa Fe High School student was arrested Monday after making a comment about having a bomb in her backpack, prompting an immediate response from school officials and law enforcement.
According to the Alachua Police Department (APD), the incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. June 1 when a school guidance counselor stationed at the front gate for morning duty was approached by two students entering campus.
As the students passed by, one of them, identified by police as Amelia Tate-Wilson, allegedly stated, “She doesn’t even know I have a bomb in my backpack.”
The counselor immediately reported the comment to school administration, which in turn notified the school’s resource officer.
Police said Tate-Wilson was removed from class and escorted to the dean’s office for questioning. During the interview, she admitted making the statement but told authorities it was intended as a joke and that she did not possess any explosive device.
Officers searched both Tate-Wilson and her backpack and found no bomb, explosive device or other contraband.
A second student who witnessed the exchange was also interviewed. According to police, the student confirmed hearing the comment and said it was believed to be a joke but told Tate-Wilson she should not make statements of that nature.
The student’s guardian was notified of the incident.
Tate-Wilson was arrested and charged with making a false report concerning planting a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction, a felony under Florida law. She was also suspended from school.
Police emphasized that no active threat existed at Santa Fe High School and that no explosive device was found during the investigation.
In a statement released following the arrest, the Alachua Police Department reiterated its position on threats involving schools.
“The Alachua Police Department takes all threats involving schools seriously,” the department stated. “Comments involving bombs, weapons, or violence are not jokes and can result in serious criminal consequences, even when no actual threat is found.”
The department also urged families to discuss the seriousness of threatening statements with students.
“APD encourages parents and guardians to speak with students about the seriousness of making threatening statements and the importance of immediately reporting suspicious or concerning behavior,” the statement said.
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