Two days after a bomb threat was received at Grayson County High School, a student has been arrested for “making a comment in regards to school safety,” according to Principal Todd Johnston.
Johnston issued a one-call to the parents of GCHS students at 9:57 Wednesday morning, informing them of the incident.
The comments were investigated by the Leitchfield Police Department and “deemed to be a joke,” Johnston said.
The joke, though, was taken deadly serious by school and law enforcement officials.
“Regardless of the joke, it was taken seriously and charges are being filed,” Johnston said in the one-call. “Our students are safe, and we will continue about our day, preparing for our final exams. It’s imperative that our students have as normal a day as possible.”
In the message, Johnston had a special request for parents, saying, “I cannot stress how important it is that you talk to your children about making comments about school safety. All comments, even in a joking manner, will be taken seriously at all times. Also, talk to your children about what they post on social media and the effects it can have on school safety. As always, our students’ safety is our main concern and it will continue to be our main focus.”
Neither Johnston nor Leitchfield Police Department Detective Kevin Smith said what charge or charges the student faces, as authorities continue to investigate the incident.
K105 will have more on information on this story as it becomes available.
Wednesday’s incident at GCHS marks at the least the fifteenth school threat-related incident involving 13 Kentucky high schools or middles schools since February 18. In total, 17 people have been arrested for threatening to blow up the school, “bring a gun and shoot up the school,” and social media threats, according to Kentucky State Police. Two of the threats were sent directly to other students.
At least 12 of those arrested to this point are juveniles, the youngest being 13-years-old. The charge filed against the bulk of those arrested has been terroristic threatening. At least one student arrested is also facing drug charges.
The high schools to receive threats have been Grayson County, Jackson County, Jessamine County, Robertson County, Whitley County, Christian County, Clay County, Todd County Central, and Knox County Learning Academy.
Middle schools to receive threats include, North Laurel (2 incidents), Knox County, Breckinridge County, and Anderson County.
(The number of incidents and arrests cited in the story has been updated to include an incident at Breckinridge County Middle School resulting in an arrest.)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
