Update: Buchholz student arrested for bomb threats

A 17-year-old Buchholz High School (BHS) student was arrested on Monday in connection with four recent bomb threats and on drug charges.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies arrested BHS student Preston Powers of Gainesville and charged him with “possession of cocaine, making false bomb threats and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony,” according to an ACSO statement.

The evidence that led to the arrest was obtained as a result of a search warrant at the suspect’s home, which led to the development of probable cause in the case, the ACSO reported.

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ACSO Capt. Kaley Behl said Powers was transferred to the juvenile assessment center Monday evening.

“We got enough probable cause to pursue charges and to pick him up and make sure he doesn’t continue to be a threat to the community,” she said. 

Four bomb threats were called in to the school over the past month, causing evacuations and traffic jams in town as a result. Further investigation is ongoing, which may result in additional charges. 

“We appreciate the great investigative work by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in this case,” said Alachua County Public Schools spokesperson Jackie Johnson. “This news should certainly bring some peace of mind to the Buchholz community.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated. 

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