DYER COUNTY, Tenn. — A student was taken into custody Thursday evening after Dyer County Schools received a tip about a threat involving Dyer County High School, the sheriff’s office said. Officers searched the building and found no security issues.
Dyer County Schools received the tip around 5 p.m. Thursday and alerted the school resource officer and law enforcement, the sheriff's office said. Several agencies carried out a specialized sweep of the high school. Officials will not release the student's name because state law protects the identities of juveniles. Anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Parents, students and staff will see more law enforcement at the high school on Friday, the sheriff’s office said. Officers plan to remain on campus throughout the school day as a precaution while the investigation continues.
"We take every threat seriously, and we investigate every one thoroughly," Sheriff Grant Montgomery said. "I'm grateful for the quick response from our partner agencies. I'm also grateful to the person who came forward with this information. We will not allow threats like this to disrupt our schools."
"The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority," Director of Schools Cheryl Mathis said. "We thank our SRO and every agency that responded tonight. We look forward to a safe and wonderful Friday at school tomorrow."
Several agencies helped with the response, the sheriff's office said. They included police from Newbern and Kenton, the Gibson County Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
The sheriff's office asked anyone who sees or hears something concerning to report it right away to school administrators, a school resource officer or local deputies.