Fort Walton Beach teen accused of making threats online while displaying weapon

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A 17-year-old Fort Walton Beach resident allegedly seen on a video with a weapon and making threats has voluntarily surrendered without incident and was arrested by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department said in a statement.

According to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department (FWBPD), on Sunday, the agency received information regarding a video posted online via Snapchat by a 17-year-old male.

The juvenile was allegedly seen on the video pointing an AR-15-style rifle at the camera and making threats to harm unidentified persons, the FWBPD said.

Detectives with the FWBPD took over the investigation and, in response to the alleged threat, said an arrest warrant was obtained.

The AR-15 rifle was located and impounded, and law enforcement began searching for the suspect, the FWBPD said.

The suspect reportedly turned himself in on Tuesday morning.

The police department stressed the importance of coming forward with information regarding any written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.

“Fort Walton Beach Police Department takes this matter seriously and is committed to making the community safe,” the agency said in a statement.