Threats Against Etowah High School Under Investigation: Police

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Two students from Etowah High School are being investigated for alleged threats they made against the institution on Monday, the Cherokee Sheriff's Office said. The agency said it was notified around 5 p.m. Oct. 23 by the Cherokee County School Police Department of "potential threats" made against the school.

Sheriff's office spokesperson Sgt. Marianne Kelley told Patch both agencies have identified two suspects -- students from the school -- who have been taken into custody in connection to the allegations (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

In the meantime, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division are collecting evidence at the homes of the subjects, a probe that includes gathering physical evidence as well as witness statements.

These investigators are also working to secure warrants against the two students. Patch has reached out to the sheriff's office for additional details, including what the alleged messages entailed and how they were communicated, but Sgt. Kelley said more information will be provided "within the next few hours as the investigation continues."

Etowah Principal Robert Horn informed parents of the allegations made against the two students in a letter sent home. He stressed that there were no active threats against Etowah High School.

"The safety and security of all students and staff members is of utmost importance and CCSD will continue to partner with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office throughout the conclusion of the investigation to insure that this is the case," Horn said. "I will continue to keep you in the loop in this regard. Any threat on school safety/security will not be tolerated and as such these students will also face severe disciplinary action, as well as any applicable criminal charges."

Return to Patch for updates.

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