CRAB ORCHARD, Tenn. — A Crab Orchard Elementary School student has been charged after making a threat of mass violence following alarming statements made on school property, according to a release from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
The threat was reported to Crab Orchard's School Resource Officer (SRO) and school administrators by several students who indicated that the male student claimed to possess a handgun in his backpack, the release said. The students say the boy claimed his intent to shoot up the school if they told on him.
Following these reports, the school's SRO detained the student and the District Emergency Response Team was called to assist with an investigation and assessment, CCSO said. They said due to the boy's quick detainment, the school was not ordered into lockdown.
According to CCSO, the suspect has been charged under T.C.A 39-16-517 for making a threat of mass violence on school property.
Deputies urge parents to talk with their children about the severity of making a threat of violence, which is classified as a Class E felony and carries severe legal consequences.
"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 said.