Gainesville Police charge 14 year-old in school threats case

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (WJBF) – Officials in Gainesville were made aware of possible threats circulating over social media late Wednesday night. Law enforcement and school officials immediately began investigating. Given the recent tragedy in neighboring Barrow County , many jurisdictions have been dealing with hoax or false information being passed around.

Investigators were able to determine that in one case, a 14 year-old student, did cause public alarm by going to social media and referencing threats and actions. The juvenile has been taken into custody and charged in the case. The juvenile is currently being held in RYDC on Terroristic Threat and Disrupting Operation of a Public School charges.

Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish stated “As law enforcement, our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. Our hearts are broken surrounding the heinous attack at Apalachee High School in our neighboring community. Hoax or not, we will actively investigate every threat or possible action to any school or student. Likewise, you should expect the full force of the Gainesville Police Department and our law enforcement partners to take necessary actions to protect our schools.”

This case was a collaborative effort by the Gainesville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville City Schools.

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