CANTON, GA — Three people, including two juveniles, were arrested after Canton Police on Tuesday said the trio conspired to carry out a shooting at Cherokee High School.
Officers began investigating the incident after the FBI notified Cherokee County School District Police of social media posts that police say were threatening.
School district police on Oct. 19 notified Canton Police, and the investigation led detectives to a juvenile resident in Canton who police said was linked to the threats.
The juvenile, who has not been identified, was arrested the next day and charged with conspiracy to commit murder and disruption or interference with the operation of public schools, police said.
On Thursday, two more suspects were identified, and arrest warrants were issued for Keith Taylor, 17, of Metter, and Michael Brandon Terry, 21, of Chatsworth, California, police said.
Canton detectives on Friday arrested Taylor in Metter with the assistance of federal, state and local authorities, police said.
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and was taken to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, police said.
Terry was arrested in California by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department, police said. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and is awaiting extradition to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, police said.
Guns, ammunition and electronic devices were collected during the investigation, police said.
There is currently no known ongoing threat against Cherokee High School or any other Cherokee County school, police said.
CPD asked parents to educate their children on the importance of reporting threats.
"The safety of our students and school staff is a top priority, and we take every threat seriously," Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell said in a news release. "I appreciate the quick action of our law enforcement partners and the dedication of our detectives in identifying and arresting the suspects."
Cherokee County School Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis and School Police Chief Buster Cushing on Tuesday afternoon met with Cherokee High's faculty and staff to share the news with them in person, according to the district.
Assistant Superintendent Rodney Larrotta and School Police Sgt. Ryan Bleisath also met with the faculty and staff at a neighboring middle school.
Police presence at Cherokee High has increased, and School Principal Andy Hall will provide additional school counselors for staff and student support, starting Wednesday, school officials said.
Davis on Tuesday sent a letter to district families. It read, in part:
"I share the same deep emotions that coincide with learning news of this nature. I, myself, recognize the seriousness of our responsibility every single day to ensure safe and secure schools for the students and staff who call one of our schools home," she said.
" .... I hope there might be time this evening for you to discuss the seriousness of this matter with your children and also join me in the confidence that I have in our people, our processes that work, our schools and our community."
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