Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-School Resource Officer Unit

Silas Rivero (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 9/19/2008
Charges: False Report Concerning Use of Firearms

What:
Deputies assigned to the School Resource Officer Unit have arrested a Seminole Middle School student for threatening a shooting at the school.

When:
Deputies were made aware of the threat on Monday, February 8, 2021 at approximately 11:46 a.m.

Where:
The threat was made via SnapChat. Deputies made contact with the student in class and he was arrested at the school.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the School Resource Officer Unit have arrested a Seminole Middle School student for threatening a shooting at the school.

According to investigators, 12-year-old Silas Rivero sent a SnapChat to other users saying, “Can’t wait to see what happens today at school” followed by 12 green pistols. That statement was followed by, “Here’s a hint.”

Deputies received a tip from another student containing a screenshot of the post and advised deputies of the student’s identity. Investigators and school administrators quickly removed the student from class and he later admitted to sending the Snap. He said he was upset of the recent break-up and didn’t mean what he said.

Rivero was arrested and transported to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center charged with False Report Concerning the Use of Firearms. Deputies made contact with Rivero’s parents who advised he does not have access to any firearms.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office offers a Social Media resource to parents called, “A Toolbox for Parents.” The toolbox provides resources to help parents in protecting their families while online and can be found at www.pcsoweb.com.