Yet another student is facing disciplinary action after the fourth prank threat against a county school in three days.
The sheriff’s office said a seventh grader at East Columbus Junior-Senior High was overheard making alleged threats by two other students on Sept. 9. The child was absent from school Sept. 10 and 11, the report said.
Principal Sherone Hough made contact with the student Sept. 12, and he admitted saying he was planning to “shoot up the school,” and warned other students to stay home.
School Resource Officer T. Dixon interviewed the boy with his mother. The report said the boy made the comments as a joke. His mother also noted that the child does not have access to firearms, and she takes him to and from school.
Juvenile services was contacted to speak with the family, the report said.
The investigation was the fourth this week involving prank threats against schools. A 14 year old girl is facing a juvenile petition after allegedly making a threat against Nakina Middle via Instagram, then trying to alter the post to appear anonymous.
Timya Riggins, 18, and Wesley Pridgen, 19, were taken into custody Thursday on charges of communicating threats of mass destruction. They were placed under $100,000 secured bond each pending a first court appearance. The two allegedly told students at West Columbus High that the school would be hit by an explosive device.
“The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone, especially our young people, that threats of any kind are not a joke and should never be taken lightly or shared as such,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said in an email. “What may seem like a prank can have serious consequences. Threats, whether made in person or online, will be thoroughly investigated and can result in criminal charges. We take the safety of our schools and community seriously, and anyone responsible for making or spreading these threats will be held accountable.”
