Stephens Co Middle School Student Charged with Making Terroristic Threats

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office prevented a potential shooting recently at Stephens County Middle School.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, on December 14, his office was notified of a possible active shooter threat.

“The threat was made by a student to commit an act of violence using a firearm at the Stephens County Middle School the following day (December 15),” Shirley said.

Deputies and investigators and the Department of Juvenile Justice were able to determine the student’s identity after speaking with informants.

The night before the potential incident, a 14-year-old juvenile suspect was arrested on one count of felony terroristic threats and acts.

An order was signed by the Mountain Judicial Judge of Juvenile Court for the student to be detained at a regional youth detention center and remains in custody.

Chief Deputy Mike Crozier says the student in custody acted alone.

Despite having the student in custody, the Sheriff’s Office provided additional deputies as well as three K-9s at the middle school on December 15.

Shirley says their number one priority is providing a safe and secure school for students, teachers, and staff.