Walker County Sheriff Steve WilsonA threat made over Instagram had students and teachers at Ridgeland High School in Walker County, Ga., on edge Tuesday.
Sheriff Steve Wilson said the post made on the popular social media site warned students not to attend Ridgeland on Tuesday and threatened a mass shooting. He paraphrased the threat to say, "Being at school will risk your life."
Tuesday morning, students told the school resource officer of the threat. He called the sheriff's department to report the threat, and four to five deputies were immediately dispatched, according to Wilson.
The presence of the deputies in uniform was felt throughout the school, Wilson said, and they continually made rounds to guarantee that the school was kept safe until the students returned safely home.
The threat was determined not to be credible after investigation, "but we do take it seriously as a crime," Wilson said.
A particular student is suspected of posting the threat and the investigation is ongoing, according to Wilson.
Ridgeland High School sent out an automated voice message to parents informing them that a threat was made and reassuring them that the situation had been handled.
A parent who contacted the Times Free Press said he wasn't going to take chances and intended to keep his children home today. He didn't give his name.
Wilson said he believes the threat is over, but a few deputies will be at the school again today "just to be safe."
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.