11-Year-Old’s Prank Sparks County-Wide Response, Lands Her on House Arrest.
In a startling and alarming incident that shook the community, an 11-year-old girl from Port Orange found herself at the center of a major law enforcement operation after she sent a false 911 text claiming that her friend had been kidnapped. The repercussions of this seemingly innocent prank were far-reaching, resulting in serious charges for the young prankster.
According to reports from the State Attorney’s Office spokesman, Bryan Shorstein, the child, identified as Ava Rose Langone, was charged with making a false police report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent manner – a felony offense, along with a misdemeanor charge for misuse of 911.
In most cases involving juvenile offenders, law enforcement officials refrain from releasing the name of the individuals involved. However, an exception arises under state law when juveniles are charged with offenses that could amount to felony counts, allowing for the release of certain identifying information.
During a virtual juvenile detention hearing, Ava Langone’s parents, Amanda Langone and Michael Langone of Poppy Lane in Port Orange, also made an appearance. As part of her house arrest, the 11-year-old must be supervised by her grandmother when her parents are not present, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the importance of ensuring her compliance with the imposed restrictions.
The incident began when the young girl claimed that she got the idea for the prank from a YouTube challenge, believing it would be amusing. She reported to deputies that her 14-year-old friend had been taken by an armed kidnapper driving a white van, heading south on Interstate 95 in Oak Hill, as stated by sheriff’s spokeswoman Laura Williams.
The seriousness of the situation prompted an immediate response from law enforcement, with multiple deputies and police units from Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, and Port Orange, along with a sheriff’s helicopter, all joining in the search for the alleged suspect and van.
Over the course of 90 intense minutes, the girl continued to send updates, including a detailed description of the supposed suspect, whom she claimed was armed. The situation escalated further when deputies traced the messages to their source, leading them to the girl’s residence in Port Orange at 10:23 a.m.
Upon making contact with the child’s father, deputies confirmed that she was indeed at home. As they approached the 11-year-old girl, her cell phone began to ring, indicating an incoming call from the 911 dispatchers. The arrest was captured on video, capturing the emotional and tense moment.
“I’m telling you right now, you’re going to take this as a lesson at 11 years old when you do something stupid in the future, you’re going to enjoy those cuffs,” a deputy was heard saying during the apprehension.
Amidst tears, the remorseful child expressed her regret, vowing never to repeat such an action again.
Following her detainment, Ava Langone was taken to the Family Resource Center for processing before being transferred to the Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Daytona Beach, as shared by Laura Williams.
This incident raises pertinent questions about the potential consequences of juvenile offenders’ actions and how society can collectively work towards preventing such incidents in the future. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this unsettling event, it underscores the importance of educating young minds on responsible decision-making, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age.
