The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office arrested a student Tuesday, October 8, for making terroristic threats while on school property.
According to the Sheriff’s Office social media post, the incident occurred Tuesday morning in Clayton with a domestic disturbance involving a 15-year-old Rabun County High School student.
Rabun County School officials and School Resource Officers (SRO) were notified of the incident. Upon the student’s arrival at school, an SRO contacted the student to perform a welfare check.
While speaking with the SRO and a legal guardian, the student allegedly made violent threats against the school. The student was immediately arrested and turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff-elect addresses community
Rabun County Sheriff-Elect Mark Gerrells posted a video on social media explaining the incident that occurred Tuesday morning.
“We did have a threat that was made against the school by an individual while on school property,” Gerrells said. He added, “That subject has been arrested and charged with terroristic threats and acts while on school property and is now being turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.”
Gerrells said that the sheriff’s office is pursuing additional charges. He added that other agencies may press charges as well.
In his video, Gerrells informed the public that there was no reason for alarm, but “we take these things seriously, and under my watch, I will take it seriously,” he said.
He informed the community that patrol deputies will be seen driving through the school areas to increase officer presence and act as a deterrent.
Gerrells reassured parents that their children are safe.
“I want you to know that when you drop your children off during the mornings, that they will be safe. They will be taken care of and looked after,” he said.
