15-Year-Old Charged After Threatening School Shooting in Jackson County; Sheriff Warns Against False Threats

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a threat made by a 15-year-old male on a school bus traveling between two schools in Jackson County. The juvenile reportedly made statements concerning the Apalachee shootings and threatened to target another school within the county. Witnesses confirmed the statements made by the male.

The juvenile was transported to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Following the interview, he was charged and detained at the Youth Detention Center in Gainesville.

The investigation is ongoing.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or relevant information by calling 911 or the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 367-8718. Information can also be provided anonymously through the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at (706) 367-3784.

Sheriff Janis G. Mangum provided an update, stating that three juveniles have been brought to jail for making threats, with two of them claiming they were joking. Sheriff Mangum emphasized, “This is not a joking matter. We’re taking it serious here when threats are made which are disrupting our school system.”