J.Z. George High School received a bomb threat on Feb. 2.
The school received a call at about 9:30 a.m. that day, according to a statement released by Carroll County Sheriff Clint Walker.
“The caller stated that there was a bomb at the school,” Walker stated. “School officials and staff immediately enacted the School Safety Management Plan and notified the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.”
In a statement released by Carroll County School District Superintendent Joey Carpenter, the school safety management plan was followed to ensure student and staff safety.
“Parents were made aware of the threat, and parents were made aware when the ‘all clear’ was given,” stated Carpenter.
Walker stated parents were notified of the “all clear” after officials walked a Bomb Detection K9 Unit through the school.
“[Carroll County Sheriff’s Office] notified both the [Federal Bureau of Investigations] and the [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives], who quickly responded to assist the CCSO and the school district,” stated Walker. “ATF agents brought in a Bomb Detection K9 Unit from the University of Mississippi in Oxford. The dog worked the entire school campus until it could be safely cleared, and the students could return to their classes.”
Carpenter said he appreciated the work of Walker and Carroll County deputies for responding to the threat.
“We also thank state and federal law enforcement for helping us today,” Carpenter stated on Feb. 2. “We also thank the University of Mississippi Police Department K-9 unit.”
Walker expressed his appreciation to God, who kept everyone safe as law enforcement swept the school.
“I thank the Lord for keeping everyone safe today,” he stated on Feb. 2. “The cooperation between the Carroll County School District, the law enforcement agencies involved, parents and students is to be commended. We train for these instances. While mercifully this was a false alarm – it shows the level of dedication, commitment and cooperation that it takes to keep our children safe.”
Walker is actively investigating this false report of a bomb threat. The caller will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, according to the statement.
A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Those with information should call the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 662-237-9283 or Greenwood Leflore Carroll Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
