ALACHUA, Fla. – A routine morning at Santa Fe High School took a serious turn when a student’s ill-considered comment led to an arrest. A 14-year-old student, Amelia Tate-Wilson, found herself in hot water after joking about having a bomb in her backpack.
The incident unfolded on Monday, June 1, 2026, around 9:15 a.m. when the Alachua Police Department’s School Resource Officer received a report of a potential bomb threat from the school administration. The alert came after a guidance counselor, stationed at the school’s front gate, overheard Tate-Wilson make the alarming remark to a peer. The counselor, acting swiftly, informed the administration about the potential threat.
Following the report, Tate-Wilson was promptly removed from her class and taken to the dean’s office for questioning. During the inquiry, she admitted to making the comment but insisted it was meant as a harmless joke. A thorough search of her backpack and person was conducted, revealing no presence of a bomb or any other dangerous items.
A fellow student, who was present during the incident, corroborated Tate-Wilson’s version of events. While confirming the remark was made in jest, the peer advised her against making such reckless statements in the future.
Tate-Wilson was removed from class and escorted to the dean’s office. When questioned, she admitted to making the statement but said it was intended as a joke and that she did not have anything on her. Tate-Wilson’s backpack and person were searched, and no bomb, explosive device, or other contraband was found.
A second student who was present at the time of the statement was also interviewed and confirmed hearing the comment. The second student stated the comment was believed to be a joke but told Tate-Wilson she should not make those types of statements.
Tate-Wilson’s guardian was notified of the incident. Tate-Wilson was arrested and charged with false report concerning planting a bomb, an explosive, or a weapon of mass destruction, in violation of Florida Statute 790.163 (Felony). She was also suspended from school.
𝗔𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗙𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹.
The Alachua Police Department takes all threats involving schools seriously. Comments involving bombs, weapons, or violence are not jokes and can result in serious criminal consequences, even when no actual threat is found.
APD encourages parents and guardians to speak with students about the seriousness of making threatening statements and the importance of immediately reporting suspicious or concerning behavior.
