Teen Arrested, Two Keys Schools Evacuated After Bomb Threats

Monroe County deputies arrested a 15 year old girl at Marathon High School on December 14 after investigators say she assisted in making bomb threats to both Marathon High and Key West High School. Monroe County Sheriff spokeswoman Becky Herrin said authorities responded to a call to Key West High School that was made in error because the person who phoned believed the girl was a student there. The second call targeted Marathon High, where the girl attends school.

Both schools were evacuated as officials and law enforcement searched and secured buildings. Key West school officials canceled classes for the day while investigators conducted their work. The arrest took place at Marathon High and prosecutors have filed several charges against the juvenile, according to sheriff spokesperson statements. The investigation into the origin of the calls and who else may be involved remains active.

Investigators reported that the girl told them a number of stories about how she met the person who phoned in the threat. Authorities have not released further details about the identity of any other suspect or whether charges may be filed against additional individuals. School and law enforcement officials emphasized the ongoing nature of the inquiry as they continue to preserve evidence and interview witnesses.

The incident disrupted learning for students and created immediate concern among parents and staff across Monroe County. Evacuations and a district wide cancellation in Key West illustrate the operational and emotional toll that such threats impose on small school communities. The episode will likely prompt local officials to review communication protocols between schools and law enforcement, and to examine how threat assessments are conducted and verified before widespread closures or cancellations occur.

As the investigation continues, Monroe County law enforcement and school administrators have not announced a timetable for additional public briefings. Parents and community members seeking information should monitor official channels for updates from the sheriff's office and school district as authorities pursue the active investigation.