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Mother, 2 teens arrested in connection with Pembroke Pines school threat investigation

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Police on Wednesday announced the arrest three of individuals, including two teenagers, in connection with a threat that they said was made against Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines on Nov. 9, 2024.

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Investigators believe the teenagers may be part of a larger network targeting schools for amusement.

Authorities said the incident began when a male caller contacted police, provided a name, and claimed to be a student.

The caller allegedly threatened to shoot and kill students, staff, and law enforcement, prompting heightened security at the school, according to detectives.

Police later determined that the name provided by the caller did not match any current or former students.

Following an extensive investigation involving state and federal agencies, Pembroke Pines police identified 15-year-old Logan James Gollinger of Amsterdam, New York, 14-year-old Juan Antonio Banos of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Gollinger’s mother, 37-year-old Elizabeth Smith, of Amsterdam, New York, as suspects in the case.

4 p.m. report:

Authorities said Logan Gollinger was arrested by New York police officers on Jan. 3.

He remains in custody awaiting an extradition hearing scheduled for Jan. 16, which will determine when he will be transferred to Florida.

Police confirmed that Logan Gollinger is facing one count each of threatening to discharge a destructive device, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and disrupting an educational institution.

Banos surrendered to Florida authorities on Jan. 15 and is being held by the Department of Juvenile Justice on charges that include harassment, making threats and disrupting an educational institution, investigators said.

Smith, who was released on bond, is expected to surrender to Pembroke Pines police by Jan. 24. She faces a felony charge of solicitation to commit tampering with physical evidence, according to authorities.

Police say she instructed her son to delete evidence related to the investigation.

Investigators worked with multiple agencies, including the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, to identify the suspects despite their attempts to conceal their identities.

Authorities also emphasized the seriousness of threats against school campuses and urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities.

“Regardless of where an offender might be, we will uncover the truth,” said Pembroke Pines Police Capt. Adam Feiner. “This investigation brought three people to justice.”

Local 10 News has requested the suspects’ arrest reports.


About the Authors
Ryan Mackey headshot

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

Layron Livingston headshot

Layron Livingston made the move from Ohio's Miami Valley to Miami, Florida, to join the Local 10 News team.

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