14-Year-Old Arrested After Hoax Triggers Lockdown at Allatoona High School

A 14-year-old male student has been arrested and charged in connection with a hoax that caused a “code red” lockdown at Allatoona High School in Acworth, GA, on November 19, 2024. The incident, which triggered significant alarm, began when the Cobb County 911 center received a report from the “988 Lifeline” crisis hotline at around 11:45 AM. The caller claimed to be at the school with a firearm and intended to harm students.

The Cobb County School District Police Department quickly responded, with additional support from Cobb Police uniform patrol units. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit immediately launched an inquiry, ultimately determining the report to be a false alarm.

On November 20, Cobb 911 received another similar call, and investigators were able to trace the hoax to the 14-year-old Allatoona High School student. The suspect confessed to making the false threats during an interview with authorities.

The student has been charged with Terroristic Threats, Transmitting a False Public Alarm, and Disrupting Operation of a Public School. The Cobb County School District expressed appreciation for the swift response of law enforcement, reaffirming the district’s commitment to safety and the full prosecution of individuals involved in such incidents.