13-year-old arrested, accused of threatening to shoot and kill his former friend on Instagram

BUNNELL, Fla. – A 13-year-old boy was placed under arrest after deputies said he threatened to kill another 13-year-old and sent photos of a handgun through Instagram, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim’s mother contacted law enforcement on Tuesday after her 13-year-old son received a photo of the teen holding a handgun and a written death threat, investigators said.

The teen who was arrested told deputies he and the victim had once been friends before the relationship soured. According to investigators, the two had been messaging the day of the incident and had planned to fight.

Sheriff Rick Staly reminded parents how serious online threats can be. He is urging them to stay actively involved in their children’s online activity — including monitoring who their kids are communicating with.