Florida Teen Arrested for Planning Robbery with Homemade Weapons

A middle school student in Florida, aged 14, has been arrested and charged as an adult for allegedly creating homemade firearms and explosives to carry out a robbery. Authorities provided details this week.

Investigation Details

The investigation started on April 27 when deputies in St. Johns County received information about the student’s plans. According to an arrest report, the 14-year-old, Julian Davis, and his 13-year-old friend used Telegram to discuss ‘holding someone at gunpoint’ for a robbery. Both were students at Switzerland Point Middle School.

The messages between the boys mentioned creating a shotgun and musket, along with acquiring zip ties.

Authorities’ Public Disclosure

Sheriff Robert Hardwick, alongside federal investigators, addressed the case publicly for the first time. They stated that charging Davis might have prevented a serious incident at the school and in the community.

Davis was arrested on April 30, charged with offenses involving firearms and explosives. His friend was also charged but not as an adult. Authorities did not reveal his identity.

Findings from the Investigation

Investigators conducted several searches at Davis’ home between April 27 and 30. They discovered three homemade firearms, ammunition, potential explosive materials, and homemade handcuffs. Additionally, handwritten notes on weaponry and a drawing of a Molotov cocktail were found.

Other concerning items included a tactical vest with ‘white supremacy drawings’ and a copy of the manifesto by Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people in 2019 at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Further Evidence

Authorities also found a U.S. Army improvised munitions handbook and ‘The Anarchist Cookbook’, a book detailing how to make weapons and explosives.

Sheriff Hardwick mentioned Davis and his friend planned to rob someone called CJ but couldn’t identify this person. Hardwick suggested the evidence showed more than a simple robbery.

Davis’ Online Activities

Davis reportedly spent time researching mass shootings and stabbings. ‘He had a fixation with those who committed these acts,’ Sheriff Hardwick said.

Current Status of Julian Davis

Davis remains in custody with a $240,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty. Additional charges have led to another arraignment next month. Authorities reached out to his attorney for comments.

The other boy involved was detained for 21 days in juvenile justice but was later released.

School and Community Response

Neither boy will return to their school. Deputy Superintendent Paul Abbatinozzi assured there was never a direct threat to Switzerland Point Middle School.

The tip about the students was submitted via FortifyFL, a platform created post-Stoneman Douglas High School shooting to detect warnings from students.