Evansville, IN – A 16-year-old was charged as an adult after Evansville police said he recorded a Snapchat video showing himself with a firearm near Bosse High School and making gestures as though he were shooting at the school.
The Evansville Police Department received a report on Sept. 15, 2026, after a student from another school reported receiving the video. Police identified the suspect as Julian E. Blanco, 16.
According to EPD, Blanco was seen inside a vehicle pointing to a firearm before making hand gestures that appeared to mimic shooting at the school.
The department’s Juvenile Investigation Unit, working with EVSC Police, immediately launched an investigation. Area schools were placed in “Building Secure” mode while officers worked to determine the identity and location of the suspect.
Detectives learned Blanco had been at a local restaurant before officers took him into custody at his residence a short time later.
Investigators determined that the Snapchat video had been recorded inside a relative’s vehicle near the intersection of Chandler Avenue and College Highway.
Detectives also recovered the firearm shown in the video.
Police credited the student who reported the Snapchat video with helping investigators quickly identify Blanco and take him into custody.
Blanco was preliminarily charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon and child in possession of a firearm. EPD said he is being charged as an adult.
