A 17-year-old Spoto High School student is facing two felony charges after authorities say a bomb threat was called into the Riverview school, prompting deputies to search the campus for explosives.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that Alexander Parris, a 12th-grade student at Spoto High School, was arrested following an investigation into the threat, which was reported one day earlier. No explosives or other threats were found during a search of the school, according to HCSO. HCSO
Caller Claimed a Bomb Was Inside the School
According to HCSO, School Resource Deputies were notified on Aug. 19 of a bomb threat made by telephone to Spoto High School.
Investigators say the school’s receptionist answered the call. The caller first asked whether he had reached Spoto before claiming that a bomb had been planted on the first floor of the school’s 200 building. The caller then allegedly threatened that everyone was going to die before ending the call. HCSO
Deputies responded by conducting what HCSO described as a thorough search of the school. Authorities said they found no explosives or other threats on campus. HCSO
HCSO’s public statement does not specify whether the school was evacuated, placed on lockdown or otherwise subjected to changes in normal operations while deputies conducted the search.
Detectives Traced the Phone Number
HCSO says detectives traced the telephone number used to make the threat to the parent of Parris.
The following day, Aug. 20, detectives contacted Parris and his mother at Spoto High School. According to HCSO, investigators confirmed that the phone belonged to the Parris family and identified Parris as the user of the device. Investigators also reviewed the phone’s call history and found a call to Spoto High School, according to the agency. HCSO
Parris was subsequently arrested.
The sheriff’s office has not yet publicly detailed what additional evidence, if any, investigators obtained linking Parris personally to the contents of the alleged threat. The agency’s public release identifies the ownership and use of the phone and its call history but does not mention an admission, witness identification, recording, forensic examination or other evidence establishing who was speaking during the call. HCSO says the investigation remains active. HCSO
Two Felonies Among Three Charges
HCSO says Parris was charged with false report of a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction; unlawful use of a two-way communication device; and disrupting a school campus or function. HCSO
Under Florida law, knowingly making a false report about the placement of a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction with the intent to deceive, mislead or misinform is a second-degree felony. Florida law also allows a court, following a conviction, to order restitution for costs and damages when the false report results in law enforcement or another state or local agency taking action. Online Sunshine
The unlawful use of a two-way communication device charge is a third-degree felony under Florida law. The statute applies when someone uses a communications device to facilitate or further the commission of another felony. Online Sunshine
Disrupting a school campus or function is a second-degree misdemeanor. Florida law prohibits knowingly disrupting or interfering with the lawful administration or functions of an educational institution, as well as certain conduct that interferes with educational processes or the orderly operation of a school campus. Online Sunshine
Sheriff: Bomb Threats Are Not a Joke
Sheriff Chad Chronister said threats against schools will be treated seriously by his agency.
“A bomb threat is not a joke, a prank or something we will ever take lightly,” Chronister said.
Chronister added that a single call can cause fear and disrupt an entire school and warned that those responsible for threats against schools would be located and held accountable. HCSO
Questions Remain as Investigation Continues
The sheriff’s office described the case as an active investigation and said additional updates would be released through its Public Affairs Office.
The information released by HCSO establishes the agency’s account of how investigators connected the telephone used in the alleged threat to Parris, but it provides comparatively little detail about the evidence investigators say establishes that he was the person who actually made the threat.
It also remains unclear from the public release how school operations were affected while deputies searched the campus.
State of Disorder is seeking additional public records related to the arrest and investigation, including records that may provide further details about the evidence supporting the charges and law enforcement’s response at Spoto High School.
Parris has been charged with criminal offenses, but the charges are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sources & Editorial Note
This article is based on an August 20, 2026, news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office concerning the arrest of a Spoto High School student following an alleged bomb threat. State of Disorder independently reviewed the Florida statutes associated with the charges to verify their classifications and provide additional legal context.
At the time of publication, HCSO had described the investigation as active. The agency’s public release did not provide the underlying arrest affidavit, investigative reports, recordings, or other evidence supporting the allegations beyond the information summarized above. State of Disorder intends to seek additional public records related to the investigation and may update this report as additional verified information becomes available.
The defendant is 17 years old. His name is included because the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office publicly identified him in its official release. Criminal charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sources: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; Florida Statutes §§ 790.163, 934.215 and 877.13.
