CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Casey Cox
CROSSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Jessie Brooks
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SCHOOLS
Director William Stepp
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
September 17, 2024
THREAT MADE AGAINST LOCAL SCHOOL: CRIMINAL CHARGES FILED
Crab Orchard, TN – A student at Crab Orchard Elementary School has been charged with making a threat of mass violence following alarming statements made on campus. The threat was reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO) and school administrators by several students, who indicated that the student claimed to possess a handgun in his backpack and intended to shoot up the school if they told on him.
Upon receiving the reports, the SRO swiftly detained the student, and the District Emergency Response Team was mobilized to assist with a thorough threat assessment and investigation. As a result of the prompt actions taken by school officials and law enforcement, the school was able to continue operations without interruption, avoiding the need for a lockdown. The juvenile suspect has been charged under T.C.A. 39-16-517 for making a Threat of Mass Violence on School Property.
Sheriff Casey Cox, Chief Jesse Brooks, and Director William Stepp stressed the serious nature of such threats, which are classified as a Class E felony and carry severe legal consequences. They urge parents to engage in conversations with their school-aged children about the gravity of making threats of violence, emphasizing that words can have significant repercussions. “We want parents, students, and citizens to know that we will not tolerate anyone making threats and inciting fear within our schools and community. Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” they stated.
We continue to encourage the community to report any suspicious or potentially threatening behavior related to schools or public buildings. We understand the frustration, stress, and fear many are experiencing. We are committed to investigating every threat received to ensure the safety of our schools and all citizens.
(Submitted by Lt. Gary Howard, Director of Criminal Investigations, Public Information, and Community Services)