Osceola Sheriff: Harmony-St. Cloud Football Game Proceeds Despite False Shooting Threats

A Friday night football game between Harmony High School and St. Cloud High School is moving forward with a larger law enforcement presence. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office confirmed the event will take place on Oct. 23 after determining that recent shooting threats were false. This decision follows an investigation into reports that a gun would be fired during the matchup.

Deputies first received a tip on Thursday night claiming a shooting would occur at the stadium. Text messages carrying the same warning began spreading among students on Friday morning. Officials said they examined both the initial report and the digital messages. They concluded that neither threat was genuine.

The security plan for the game includes additional deputies, K-9 units, and mounted patrol officers. Officers from the St. Cloud Police Department will also be stationed at the venue. These arrangements were announced alongside the confirmation that the game would proceed as scheduled in the evening.

Investigators found that the person responsible for the false threats claimed the warnings came from a teenager injured in a recent attack. Authorities examined that specific allegation and determined it was also incorrect. The sheriff's office has not yet identified who originated the threats or established if that person had any connection to the injured student.

The backdrop for these security measures is an assault that occurred on Oct. 16 near Harmony High School. Several students allegedly attacked and beat a 17-year-old victim. The teenager was transported to a hospital where he received 11 stitches. Officials linked the physical assault to a disagreement that started during lunch earlier that day.

The victim had stood up to a group of students who were throwing carrots at a girl during the lunch period. The beating took place after that incident. Nine students, with ages ranging from 14 to 18, were arrested on Oct. 21. They face charges of felony aggravated battery and felony inciting a riot.

Captain Kim Montes of the sheriff's office warned that the false reports could lead to further legal action. “False reports of a shooting will not be tolerated and if the suspect is identified, that person will be charged,” Montes said. As of Friday, the source of the threats remained unknown.

The game stands as a test of the community's response to the recent violence and the subsequent online rumors. The expanded police presence aims to provide a sense of safety for players, coaches, and fans attending the Friday evening event.