Montgomery police have arrested a fourth juvenile in connection to online threats made against local schools.
Earlier this week, law enforcement and school officials across the state began taking precautions after receiving dozens of online threats, which ranged from vague to explicit threats to shoot up schools and school buses.
The threats first occurred in Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore Counties.
Two juveniles, a male and female, both 13, were initially arrested by the Montgomery Police Department on Sunday and Monday and transported to the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility. On Tuesday, MPD arrested an 11-year-old female over the threats and released her to a guardian due to her age. Later that day, MPD also arrested a 14-year-old Male. This most recent arrest brings the total number of juveniles arrested in Montgomery alone to four.
At least seven have been arrested across the state for making terroristic threats. Millbrook Police also arrested two 12-year-olds related to online threats directed toward Stanhope Elmore High School and Millbrook Middle School. A 15-year-old boy in Etowah County was taken into custody Monday morning and charged with allegedly making a terroristic threat against Southside High School.
Law enforcement is investigating a recent slew of similar threats in school systems all over the state.
RELATED: More Alabama schools targeted by online threats in frightening recent trend
Last week, a football game between Tallassee High School and Elmore County High School was called off, and the premises were evacuated post-halftime after a threat of gun violence led school officials and law enforcement to postpone the game.
In Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery, the schools allowed children to skip school without incurring an unexcused absence, and several canceled all extracurricular activities. Parents at several schools in the area told 1819 News there was a notable lack of attendance Monday morning.
In Marshall and Madison Counties, several city schools were on high alert due to online threats, resulting in a heightened police presence and limited school activities.
None of the threats have materialized into any violent action. However, the trend has grabbed the attention of concerned parents who have publicly expressed worry over continuing to send their children to school.
Thus far, Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency have not spoken publicly on the cause of the frightening spike in school threats.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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