🎃 Collier County Teen Arrested for Allegedly Planning to Use Explosive on Halloween Night

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2025) — A 15-year-old Collier County boy is behind bars after deputies say he built a homemade explosive device and posted a video online claiming he planned to use it during Halloween trick-or-treating.

According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), deputies arrested Enzo Vargas-Giraldo around 4 p.m. Friday at his home on Palmetto Woods Drive, after discovering materials used to make an explosive device in his garage.

Investigators say Vargas-Giraldo posted a disturbing video on social media earlier in the day, showing himself holding what appeared to be a bomb and declaring that a specific neighborhood “is not safe” on Halloween night.

Authorities credit another teenager for taking swift action — reporting the alarming post to CCSO just hours before the planned holiday festivities. Deputies quickly tracked down Vargas-Giraldo’s location, and the CCSO Bomb Squad, along with FBI agents, responded to the home to secure and remove the explosive materials.

The teen now faces several serious charges, including:

• Manufacturing an explosive device with intent to harm

• Possessing a destructive device

• Making electronic threats to do bodily injury

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and the State Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case to determine if additional charges will be filed.

In a statement, CCSO praised the quick-thinking teen who reported the video, noting that their actions “may have prevented a tragic Halloween incident.”

Deputies added that there is no ongoing threat to the public, and Halloween activities across the county proceeded safely Friday night.

👮‍♂️ Authorities remind parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and to report any suspicious or threatening behavior immediately.