Extra sheriff’s deputies will be on campus at Chestatee High School (CHS) Tuesday following Monday’s telephone threat. And a reward is being offered as the search for the source of the threat continues.
7:00 P.M. UPDATE:
HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE (HCSO) NEWS RELEASE:
“Following a telephone threat Monday afternoon…Chestatee High School
(CHS)…was placed on an interior lockdown while law enforcement searched
the premises for danger.
The school received the call just after 2 p.m., and law enforcement responded to the scene.
Dozens of uniformed personnel from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), including four
teams from the agency’s K9 Unit, responded to assess the threat and clear the school
buildings. Several specialized teams cleared the school parking lot and the outside
perimeter of the school, while other HCSO personnel entered the main building to clear the
hallways and bathrooms. After those areas were deemed safe, HCSO teams removed
students from the buildings.
The teams found nothing suspicious during their search.
According to an initial investigation by HCSO Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB), the
unknown male caller threatened the lives and safety of CHS students and staff. The
investigation is ongoing with investigators working to determine the identity of the caller
and the origin of the phone call.
Everyone at the school cooperated fully, and no one was injured during today’s operation.”
THE LATEST FROM THE HALL COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT (HCSD):
“…Because the district and law enforcement were taking every precaution to protect students and
staff, buses had to be held and dismissal delayed until the all the clear was given. The lockdown
was lifted at approximately 4:20PM. There was no evidence found to suggest that the threat
was credible.
‘I am incredibly proud of our students, the team at Chestatee, and local law enforcement,” said
Superintendent Will Schofield. ‘The district is also offering a $5,000 reward for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this heinous crime.’
Individuals with any information regarding who is responsible, should contact the Hall County
Sheriff’s Office.
The district communicated with parents via email and automated phone call during the event,
providing updates when possible. We are grateful for their trust and patience.
Additionally, the district greatly appreciates the Hall County Sheriff’s Office for its quick and
thorough response. Extra deputies will be on campus tomorrow to ensure that our students
and staff are safe.”