Authorities in Meigs and Hamilton counties are looking into an alleged threat made by a Chattanooga man on social media toward a child living in Meigs County.
Meigs County Sheriff Jackie Melton said Wednesday afternoon that investigators from his office were headed to a meeting with authorities in Hamilton County to share information and possibly interview the man, who has not been named publicly.
Melton said the threat involved a Meigs County family but there was no threat towards any school.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokesman Matt Lea said Wednesday afternoon that an investigation was launched "after the initial post was shared with us from Facebook."
"Our detectives are currently following up leads and are working jointly with the Meigs County Sheriff's Office after alleged threats were made on social media platforms," Lea said in an email. "A safety plan has been established to protect the safety of the child referenced in the threat."
Melton said the Meigs County director of schools also asked for an additional SRO to be on duty Thursday.
Melton said the man who allegedly threatened the child has no prior criminal record in Meigs County.
Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Follow him on Twitter @BenBenton or at www.facebook.com/benbenton1.