Meigs County High School student arrested after violent threat

February 16, 2018

WDEF News,

MEIGS COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Megis County High School student was arrested for posting a violent threat on social media.

He now faces charges in juvenile court.

There was more police presence at Meigs County Schools on Friday, after a senior at the high school posted a threat on social media, referencing the Florida shooting.

“I thought it was crazy. You don’t really hear about that stuff in small towns,” said Autum Crisp, a student. Meigs County Sheriff Jackie Melton says they found out about the threat on Thursday night and the suspect, a teenage boy, was arrested after midnight. He was charged with false report and a threat.

“I just want to tell the community we are safe and that we got the guy in custody,” Sheriff Melton said. They were alerted about this by concerned parents and students.

“It makes it feel good that they are interested in the community and they have confidence in their sheriff’s department,” Sheriff Melton said.

“It is a perfect example of see something, say something, working. And we are proud of our students for having the courage to speak out, because this certainly could’ve been a very tragic incident,” said David Brown, director of special programs for Meigs County Schools.

School officials say there was a noticeable difference in attendance on Friday.

“We had some parents check their students out. Some parents are understandably worried,” Brown said.

“A lot of people weren’t there, but it felt safe to me,” Crisp said.

After this incident, the message is threats won’t be tolerated.

“It is a terrible decision to make whether it is made out of anger frustration seek help there is plenty of help,” Brown said.

In McMinn County, a threat was also posted on social media. That case was investigated, no arrests were made and police say they believe it was a prank.