A 12-year-old faces charges in connection with a bomb threat at John Yeates Middle School Thursday, Capt. James Judkins, spokeman for the Suffolk Fire Department confirmed.

School officials reported the incident at 8:14 a.m. following a tip from a student. According to Judkins, the youngster told a fellow student a bomb was in his book bag after it fell on the floor.

According to the Virginia Criminal Code, a person under the age of 15 who reports a false bomb threat &uot;to any place of public assembly, building or other structure, or any means of transportation, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.&uot;

The maximum penalty is 12 months jail time and up to a $2,500 fine.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com