Calera police arrest 15-year-old in connection to threats made against CHS
Published 10:07 pm Thursday, September 27, 2018
- A threat to "shoot up" Calera High School was made during the early morning hours of Sept. 27. (File)
CALERA – The Calera Police Department has arrested a 15-year-old juvenile in connection to terroristic threats that recently circulated on social media.
The suspect is from the Calera area and his name is being withheld because of his juvenile status. This case is an ongoing investigation and police are limited on what information can be released at this time. Police don’t believe Calera schools are in danger.
A threat to “shoot up” Calera High School is not considered to be a credible threat, according to the Calera Police Department.
According to police, a threat to “shoot up” Calera High School was anonymously sent by text message to a student at 12 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27. The message was then posted on social media.
“This information was thoroughly investigated throughout the night and involved the assistance of the FBI,” Calera police stated in a message posted to their Facebook page. “We have made contact with those involved in circulating the text. While we will continue to take this case seriously, we do not believe this to be a creditable threat.”
Police presence was increased at Calera schools on Sept. 27. Shelby County Schools spokeswoman Cindy Warner said the SCS became aware of the threat overnight and immediately contacted police. Warner said CPD was aware and already investigating the threat.
Calera High School continues to work with the various law enforcement agencies to ensure student safety, Warner added. Calera Elementary School Principal Genet Holcomb sent a message out to parents ensuring them that safety is her top priority.
“Please be assured that we are aware of the information regarding a threat to Calera High School,” Holcomb stated in an email sent to all parents. “In light of that information, we are taking extra safety precautions to protect our students and continue with our instructional day. We will also have police present. If the need arises, we will go into lock down.”
Holcomb stated that students know what to do in a lock down situation because they recently did practice drills.