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Palmetto Ridge student arrested for bringing a knife to school

Posted at 11:07 PM, Feb 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-20 07:55:00-05

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. --- A Palmetto Ridge High School student was arrested on Monday after having a knife on school property. 

Collier County Sheriff's Office said they received a tip on February 16 claiming the student, 18-year-old Benjamin Mendoza, brought a gas mask to school and have previously made disturbing comments about the Las Vegas shooting. 

Investigators say they searched the student's backpack and found a realistic looking Los Angeles Police Department badge, a list of students with a drawing of a student with bullet holes to the chest and the words, "dead ha ha dead" written on the back of the paper. 

Officials also found a small notebook containing stories and drawings depicting students as victims and suspects in murders and other crimes, a map of Palmetto Ridge High School, a note that said, "shoot up school," and "school shoot animae dead."

The student is being charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds and disruption of a school function. 

To report suspicious or unusual activity contact the Collier County Sheriff's Office at (239) 252-9300.