Westover student charged with terroristic threats against teacher

ALBANY — According to officials with the Dougherty County School System, a Westover student has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats via email to a teacher.

“The student was arrested (by the school system police department) on Wednesday. Thursday, rumors began circulating via social media that a threat had been made against the students and staff at Westover. Thursday afternoon, a separate investigation was launched on a second student based on reports from their fellow students. That student has been remanded to their parents and will be suspended pending an appearance before a disciplinary tribunal,” a post on Westover’s Facebook page said. “There has not been a threat made against Westover.”

Dougherty County School System officials said school continued as normal on Friday with an enhanced police presence in an effort to allay any fears. Several parents, however, reportedly kept their students home from school Friday due to rumors circulating about the potential threat of violence.

“When a threat was made against a teacher, the Westover administration and DCSS police acted swiftly to investigate and place the student in custody,” DCSS spokesman J.D.Sumner said. “Students and parents should know that if a threat is made against our students or staff that it will be met with swift and decisive action under the law. “

The Herald is awaiting an incident report from the DCSSPD.