The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a student following a tip about an online threat.
On September 6, 2024, at 7:42 a.m., HCSO's School Threat Assessment and Response Team received an anonymous online tip regarding a student threatening to carry out a shooting at Dowdell Middle Magnet School.
Carmen Roman, 13, posted a note from her Instagram account that stated, "im the one whos gonna shoot up dowdell middle magnet."
At 8:20 a.m., detectives responded to Dowdell Middle Magnet School, where they met Roman, who claimed the note was meant as a joke.
Roman was taken into custody and charged with one count of Written or Electronic Threat to Conduct a Mass Shooting or Act of Terrorism and one count of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device.
No firearms or weapons were found in Roman's possession at the time of her arrest.
"It's horrific to see that, in just two days, we've had students making online threats as jokes. Let me be clear. These threats are not funny, and they come with serious consequences. I urge parents to talk to their children about the severity of their actions and the lasting repercussions they can have," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I want to commend the person who reported the threat, allowing our detectives to act quickly and ensure the safety of both students and teachers at the school."
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
