This morning, a juvenile from Jasper, Tennessee, was apprehended after making threats directed toward Dade Middle School on social media. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the situation by Marion County, Tennessee Dispatch, prompting an immediate response.
Law enforcement officers notified Dade Middle School and stationed deputies at the school as a precautionary measure. While there was no immediate danger to the students or staff, the presence of law enforcement provided additional safety until the individual responsible for the threats was found.
The Jasper Police Department quickly located and detained the juvenile in question. Tennessee authorities have stated that the juvenile will face charges relating to the threat of mass violence on school property or at school-related activities.
Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross expressed the seriousness of the incident, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward school threats. “We will investigate and prosecute any threat of violence to our school system to the fullest extent of the law, with ZERO tolerance,” Cross said.
This incident comes amidst heightened sensitivity to school threats nationwide, following similar occurrences on the heels of the shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.
For parents and the community, the sheriff’s office has reassured that there is no ongoing threat, though an increased police presence remains at the school to provide additional security throughout the day. Investigators are continuing to collaborate with Tennessee authorities as the case progresses.