[ September 09, 2024 ] PRESS RELEASE posted on Pickens Sheriff's Office Facebook Page:

In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Barrow County last week, law enforcement agencies throughout Georgia and around the nation have responded to tips of other potential threats made to schools.

Last Friday, at the Pickens County Junior High School, a note was found that stated, "I'm shooting the school."

School personnel and campus law enforcement deputies quickly identified the student responsible. Detectives responded and charged the student with terroristic threats, and the student was removed from the school. At no time were any students or faculty members in danger. It was also determined that the student did not have ready access to firearms.

There have been concerning Snapchat posts circulated by those who wish to continue to scare and terrorize our communities. No evidence exists that these posts and messages present a credible threat to our schools. However, due to the heightened sensitivity and concern, we have increased our levels of security at our school campuses.

Everyone must remember that making threats of any nature to the safety and security of our schools is a crime Those who wish to participate in this illegal activity will be pursued and prosecuted with vigor.

Also, as always, we would like everyone to report any information of a threatening nature to our community by calling our main telephone number at 911 or by going to our website and navigating to the TIP411 tab.

Please continue to keep the citizens of Barrow County and the students and faculty of Apalachee High School in your thoughts and prayers.