1 arrested after bomb threats reported at 2 Broward schools, authorities say

A 28-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after deputies with the Broward Sheriff’s Office said he allegedly made bomb threats to two Broward County schools before the start of the school day.

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Pioneer Middle School, located at 5350 SW 90th Ave. in Cooper City, and Larkdale Elementary School, located at 3250 NW 12th Place in Lauderhill, were notified by law enforcement about threats toward their schools, Broward County School Board officials confirmed.

According to Lauderhill police, the suspect, who they identified as Christopher Matthew Wilkens, told investigators that he called 911 to make a fake bomb threat to both schools.

School board officials said all students and staff are safe, and both schools followed their normal schedules.

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They said the threats were immediately investigated by BSO deputies and the Lauderhill Police Department.

Investigators said Wilkens has no connection to Larkdale Middle School but did not confirm whether he has a connection to Pioneer Middle School.

Wilkens is facing two charges of threatening to throw, project, place or discharge a destructive device and one charge of false report of a bomb.

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As of Wednesday night, he was being held at the Broward Main Jail on no bond.