TAMPA, Fla. – A 35-year-old man, Estaban Del Valle, has been arrested and charged with making a written threat to conduct a mass shooting after sending a disturbing text message threatening to shoot up Gorrie Elementary School.

The threat was prompted by Del Valle’s anger over his child’s suspension from the school.

On Friday morning, Del Valle sent the threatening message to a witness with whom he shares the child. The witness immediately alerted school administrators who contacted the Tampa Police Department.

Following a swift investigation, Tampa Police Detectives confirmed the threat originated from Del Valle’s phone and arrested him at his Clearwater residence with the help of Clearwater Police.

“Anyone who makes the choice to threaten a school is not only breaking the law, but they are also attempting to cause fear and disruption in our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “No student or teacher should ever feel unsafe going to school. It should be clear that this type of behavior is not tolerated in the Tampa Bay area and that law enforcement will use every available resource to investigate, apprehend, and hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”  

Del Valle was transported to Pinellas County Jail.

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