Florida 9-Year-Old Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Classmates With Knife at Elementary School
PALATKA, FLORIDA — A 9-year-old student in Putnam County has been arrested after allegedly threatening several classmates with a knife during recess at Middleton-Burney Elementary School, authorities confirmed Thursday.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon when the child, identified as Anthony Walker, reportedly brought a pocketknife to school and used it to intimidate other students.
Deputies Say Child Threatened Multiple Students
Deputies said the investigation began after students reported that Walker had brandished the knife and made threats during a playground altercation.
“One student told deputies that Walker said he was going to stab him before pulling the knife from his backpack,” the sheriff’s office reported.
The frightened child immediately ran to alert a teacher. Two other students also came forward, with one claiming that Walker chased him across the playground while holding the open blade, while another said he showed her the weapon and told her not to tell teachers.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Walker was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said he was booked into the Putnam County Jail and later released to a parent pending a juvenile court hearing.
“We want to remind parents to routinely check their children’s backpacks,” officials said in a public statement. “Early intervention can prevent dangerous incidents like this from escalating.”
No injuries were reported, and the situation was quickly contained by school resource deputies.
Community Reaction and Safety Emphasis
The Putnam County School District has not released a statement but confirmed that student safety remains the district’s top priority.
Local parents expressed concern online, with some calling for increased security checks and better mental health screening for young students.
Law enforcement leaders said they plan to conduct additional school safety briefings to help teachers and parents recognize early warning signs of potential violence.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by schools nationwide as authorities balance student privacy with community safety. For continued coverage of Florida education and public safety updates, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.