More Police On Hand At Etowah Following Rumored Threat

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Additional police officers will be on hand Friday at the Etowah High School campus following rumors about an alleged threat made Thursday evening on social media, the Cherokee County School District said.

CCSD informed parents of the rumors the same evening, noting that its School Police Department and the Cherokee Sheriff's Office were made aware of the rumors.

"While they contain misinformation that casts doubt on their credibility, police are investigating and, in an abundance of caution, additional police officers will be present at the Etowah High/E.T. Booth Middle campus tomorrow," the system in its message released Thursday. "We take the safety and security of our students and staff seriously. Anyone with information about a possible threat is asked to call police."

The threats come on the heels after two 17-year-old students -- Alfred Dupree and Victoria McCurley -- have been charged in connection to a plot to bring harm upon their classmates and staff members at Etowah. Both students were arrested and charged with three counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, four counts of terroristic threats and acts and one count each of criminal attempt to commit arson and possession and/or transportation of destructive device/explosive with intent to kill, injure or destroy any pubic building.

They remain held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center without bond.

Return to Patch for updates.

Image via Shutterstock