Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Patrol Operations Bureau

Juan Nicolas Martinez (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 9/26/2006
Charges: Written Threats to Kill or Conduct a Mass Shooting

PINELLAS COUNTY – On August 15, 2022 at approximately 11:15 p.m., deputies arrested an East Lake High School student for Written Threats to Kill or Conduct a Mass Shooting.

According to deputies, 15-year-old Juan Martinez sent a threatening message to another student regarding a school shooting and bomb detonation that would take place at East Lake High School. The student who received the message posted a screen shot of the message on Snapchat, alerting other students of the threat. Deputies were alerted via 911, the FortifyFL Application and calls to the communications center.

Deputies made contact with Martinez at his residence, where he admitted to sending the message, but told deputies the threat was a joke. At the conclusion of the investigation, Martinez was taken into custody and transported to PJAC.

Deputies confirmed Martinez does not have access to any firearms or explosive devices and do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the school.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to keeping our schools, our children, and our community safe. Anyone with information on any threats are asked to notify the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (727) 582-6200 or via https://getfortifyfl.com/