LAKE ASBURY – A 13-year-old student from Lake Asbury Junior High was arrested by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office after an investigation into threatening text messages made by the juvenile.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, Joseph Erickson, an eighth-grade student, sent multiple texts to another student indicating a desire to “go on a purge killing spree” centered on his ex-girlfriend and her friends. Erickson admitted to the threatening texts but said he didn’t mean them and was upset with the breakup.

Due to the detailed nature of his threats, where Erickson identified specific intent, identified specific potential victims and harbored a perceived grievance, CCSO conducted a full investigation. The investigation included searching Erickson’s bedroom at home, interviewing all involved parties and family members and seizing Erickson’s cellular phone for a forensic download.

As a result of this investigation, Erickson was arrested for making written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. It is a second-degree felony for any person to send, post or transmit, or procure the sending, posting or transmission of a writing or other record in any way another person may view it.

Erickson was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice Duval Detention Center.

"We take every single tip received very seriously, and a thorough investigation is conducted,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said. “I have zero tolerance for school threats. Parents, please speak with your children about the consequences of making such statements. I want to thank those who came forward with this information and encourage anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious to report it immediately.”