September 10, 2024 | 6:00 pm

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Crimes Unit arrested a female seventh-grade West Valley Middle student this afternoon just after 4 p.m. Detectives have determined that the female student is one of the people responsible for posting the “online” threat that included a list of Knox County and other Schools.

Sheriff Tom Spangler would like to commend the hard work of our School Officers, especially the Juvenile Detectives Unit led by Lieutenant Angela Parris, for their efforts today and in the preceding days. Thank you to KCS and Tennessee Homeland Security for your assistance today.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office juvenile crimes unit is actively investigating an online threat that has been circulating, naming numerous schools. As always, the Knox County Schools Security Division has been very helpful. Sheriff Spangler emphasized on Friday evening at a press conference at the Halls Campus, “Parents, please check on your kids; KNOW what they’re doing, the games they’re playing, and who they’re interacting with on Social media platforms.”

We will charge those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. There is no excuse for a child or teacher to be in fear while trying to attend or teach school. KCSO’s detectives, especially the juvenile detectives, are working around the clock to investigate these threats. If you have information, call 865-215-2243