Florida man threatens to blow school up, brings compound bow, arrows, knives on campus

A man carrying a compound bow, arrows and multiple knives was arrested Friday morning after entering the campus of a Florida middle school, according to police.

What we know:

The Fernandina Beach Police Department said the school’s resource officer at Fernandina Beach Middle School was alerted around 8:25 a.m. to a suspicious person and vehicle on campus. The officer confronted the man, identified as Ralph Suarez, 68, in the parking lot, and a physical struggle followed. Police said Suarez was eventually subdued and taken into custody.

Dig deeper:

It was later found that Suarez had several weapons in his possession, including the bow, arrows and knives. 

Suarez faces charges of exhibiting a weapon on school property, armed trespass, false report of bomb threats, and resisting arrest. 

What we don't know:

Investigators say his intentions on campus remain unclear, and detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division are continuing to review the case.

 

Crime and Public Safety