Boy, 12, is charged with a felony after posing as a clown on a video app and 'threatening to kill the students at his Florida middle school because he thought it would be funny'

  • Bradley Prescott wrote about killing his fellow students at Seven Springs Middle School in New Port Richey, authorities said
  • He was arrested on Tuesday and charged as adult with written threat to kill 
  • Police learned of the post on video app Musical.ly Monday night, and said numerous parents were 'anxious' about whether to send kids to school
  • Threatening clown sightings have been on the uptick around the country 

By Jessica Chia For Dailymail.com

Published: 20:05 EST, 4 October 2016 | Updated: 22:43 EST, 4 October 2016

A 12-year-old boy was arrested after he posted threatening messages targeting the students at his middle school under the guise of a clown profile on an app, authorities said.

Bradley Prescott wrote about killing his fellow students at Seven Springs Middle School in New Port Richey, Florida, on the video app Musical.ly, Pasco Sheriff's Deputy Chris Nocco said at a press conference today.

Prescott, who admitted he thought it would be funny, is being charged as an adult with a second-degree felony for 'written threats to kill', Nocco said.

The incident comes as clown sightings have been reported around the country, with a woman claiming she was assaulted by one while others fear their children being lured into the woods.

Bradley Prescott wrote about killing his fellow students at Seven Springs Middle School in New Port Richey, Florida, on the video app Musical.ly (pictured)

Bradley Prescott wrote about killing his fellow students at Seven Springs Middle School in New Port Richey, Florida, on the video app Musical.ly (pictured)

The sheriff's department declared a 'zero tolerance' policy concerning threats made to schools and urged parents to monitor their kids' online activity

The sheriff's department declared a 'zero tolerance' policy concerning threats made to schools and urged parents to monitor their kids' online activity

Prescott's post was made under the account 'clouning_around', which included a disturbing profile picture of a clown.

The post read: 'Hello I am going to kill kids at SEVEN SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL on Friday the 7th of October 2016 GET READY 6th graders for your worst day and your last!!'

Police were notified of the post on Monday night, and Nocco cited the 'anxiety levels' of parents throughout the region who debated whether or not to send their kids to school the following day.  

The sheriff's department declared a 'zero tolerance' policy concerning threats made to schools and urged parents to monitor their kids' online activity. 

Nocco said, 'A 12-year-old knows right from wrong', and detective Benjamin Beson said Prescott 'sounds a little remorseful for it now', WFLA reported. 

Linda Cobbe, spokeswoman for the Pasco County School District, said, 'It's very disruptive and we're getting tired of it.'

The sheriff's department stressed the seriousness of the threats and patrol cars were posted outside the middle school on Tuesday.

Dozens of clown sightings have been reported in states across the country. Above, an illustration of the most recent incidents

Dozens of clown sightings have been reported in states across the country. Above, an illustration of the most recent incidents

 

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