Two 18-year-olds were arrested after allegedly making a bomb threat to the principal of Ridge Community High School in Haines City, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the suspects as Jaimelias Rivera-Rodriguez and Ethan Bork, both facing multiple charges, including false report of a bomb, conspiracy to commit an offense with a destructive device, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and making harassing phone calls.
Bomb Threat Calls to Principal
The incident occurred on Monday at 8:40 a.m. when the school’s principal received three calls from an unknown number. The first call was silent, but the second caller stated, “I have a bomb.” The third call followed with, “It was a joke.”
Deputies traced the phone number used in the calls back to Rivera-Rodriguez, who later admitted to making the calls. He claimed that his friend, Ethan Bork, provided him with the principal’s phone number and instructed him to make the bomb threat. However, when questioned, Bork denied having a reason for his actions.
Connection to Ridge Community High School
Authorities confirmed that Bork is a current student at Ridge Community High School, while Rivera-Rodriguez attended the school last year.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized that these types of threats are never taken as a joke, even if no real danger is present.
Both suspects were arrested and booked into custody, facing serious charges.
