The Independence County Sheriff’s Department has released the following statement in regard to an alleged threat made to an area school on Feb. 21.
On Feb. 21, 2018, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Independence County Sheriff’s Department received information regarding an individual making threats on social media towards a local school, possibly in Independence County. Sheriff Shawn Stephens and members of the Independence County Sheriff’s Department acted immediately upon the incident and a person of interest was taken into custody within an hour of receiving the call. During the course of the investigation, it has been determined that the alleged threat was believed to be directed towards a Batesville school but did not specify which campus. The names of the individuals involved in this case will not be released. In regards to this incident, no one has been put at risk or in harm’s way upon receiving the initial information. At no point since this matter was dealt with has there been any further threat towards students, faculty, or family members of any school district in Independence County. The person has been charged with terroristic threatening, a class D felony in this incident.
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