PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday September 14, 2022

 Threats Incident Involving West End High School

Joint statement from Sheriff Jonathon Horton and Etowah County Superintendent Dr. Alan Cosby. 

(Etowah County) On September 8, 2022, the faculty at West End High School alerted the SRO Deputy about a threat that was reported at West End High School. The School Resource Officer immediately began coordinating an investigation into the incident jointly with the Etowah County Board of Education, Etowah County Sheriff's Office Investigation Division to identify the sources of the information. 

Through the proper protocols for the Etowah County Sheriff's Office and Board of Education a home visit was conducted immediately to determine if any weapons were present or access to weapons. The juvenile in question was removed from school immediately after it was reported according to the Board of Education's protocol. 

Over the last few days evidence has been collected, interviews have been conducted by the Sheriff's Office School Resource And Investigation Divisions. All evidence and paperwork was submitted to Juvenile Probation Officers, which is standard procedure for any cases involving juveniles. 

The safety and security of students, staff and community as a whole continues to be the focus of this investigation and is the focus everyday. 

This is still an ongoing investigation involving juveniles and any updates that can will be shared.