Courageous Student Report Leads to Arrest in School Threat Case

FORT WALTON BEACH — A Fort Walton Beach–area teenager has been arrested after investigators say he made repeated and increasingly specific threats to carry out a school shooting, prompting praise from law enforcement and school officials for students who reported the behavior.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that 15-year-old Joel Bravo-Jaramillo was taken into custody and charged with issuing a written or electronic threat to commit a mass shooting and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

According to investigators, Choctawhatchee High School officials became aware of the threats on January 16 and immediately contacted law enforcement while taking additional safety measures. During the investigation, witnesses told deputies the teen had been making threats between December 2025 and January 2026, with the statements becoming more detailed over time.

Authorities said no weapons were found. However, a forensic examination of the teen’s phone revealed a document titled “List 2026,” which contained the names of students who currently attend or previously attended Choctawhatchee High School.

While being interviewed by investigators, Bravo-Jaramillo admitted to making the statements but claimed they were meant as jokes.

He was arrested on February 9 at the Okaloosa Academy and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility near Crestview, where he remains in custody.

Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized that threats — whether made online, in writing, or in person — are treated as serious criminal offenses.

“Statements about harming others create real fear, disrupt schools, and have lifelong consequences,” Aden said. “I commend those who reported the threats. Their willingness to speak up may have prevented a dangerous situation.”

Aden urged parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of violent statements and encouraged students to immediately report concerning behavior to school administrators or law enforcement.

Okaloosa County School Superintendent Marcus Chambers echoed those sentiments, stressing zero tolerance for threats of violence.

“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” Chambers said. “Any threat, whether made in person, in writing, or online, will be taken seriously and addressed immediately.”

Chambers credited a student who reported the threats, saying the action allowed administrators and law enforcement to intervene quickly.

“This is exactly how our safety systems are designed to work: see something, say something,” he said.

Officials are urging anyone with information about threats or suspicious behavior to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.