A 10-year-old boy in Putnam County, Florida, has been arrested after authorities say he brought a pocket knife to his elementary school and threatened another student.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened at Browning Pearce Elementary School this week. The student, identified as Levi Santana, was taken into custody on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon — a third-degree felony in Florida.
The incident unfolded on school grounds when Levi reportedly produced the knife and issued a threat toward a classmate.
Officials said Levi did not threaten to kill anyone, but that state law still considers the alleged act a serious offense, particularly because it took place on school grounds. He was later released to a parent and is scheduled to appear in juvenile court on Friday.
Under Florida law, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon — even without intent to kill — is classified as a third-degree felony. If adjudicated delinquent, potential consequences include probation, placement in a juvenile detention center, or other court-ordered interventions.
Florida statutes allow the release of a minor’s name and photograph when charged with a felony. The sheriff’s office stated that this disclosure was made in the interest of public safety, given the seriousness of the allegation.
School officials confirmed that Levi will also face disciplinary action under the district’s code of conduct, which could include suspension or expulsion. The school stressed that its disciplinary measures operate separately from the criminal justice process but are intended to maintain safety standards for students and staff.
“This is an active investigation, and our priority is ensuring the well-being of all students at Browning Pearce Elementary,” a district spokesperson said.
Levi’s scheduled court appearance tomorrow will allow a juvenile court judge to review the case and determine the next steps.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns about school safety nationwide. Though rare at the elementary level, cases involving weapons on campus are treated with the utmost seriousness by law enforcement and educators.
The investigation is still ongoing. More information is expected following Levi’s court appearance.
