Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-School Resource Unit

Ryan Acosta (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 08/07/2008
Charge: False Report About Planting a Bomb, Explosive, or Weapon of Mass Destruction, or Concerning the Use of Firearms in a Violent Manner.

PINELLAS COUNTY – On August 15, 2023, deputies arrested a Pinellas County Schools student for False Report About Planting a Bomb, Explosive, or Weapon of Mass Destruction, or Concerning the Use of Firearms in a Violent Manner.

According to deputies, 15-year-old Ryan Acosta sent a message to another student stating, “Active shooter in the building.” The student who received the message asked Acosta, “Actually or are you messing.” Acosta responded, “Actually.” The student then called 911, which caused numerous deputies to respond to the school.

Deputies made contact with Acosta, who admitted to sending the messages, but stated they were a joke. At the conclusion of the investigation, Acosta was taken into custody and transported to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center.

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