A juvenile was arrested Thursday night after a threat against North Callaway High School students was reported to law enforcement officials.
The name of the juvenile, a male student at NCHS, was not released.
According to Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism, sheriff's officials learned about the possible threat at 10:04 p.m. Thursday. Deputies immediately opened a criminal investigation. School Resource Officer Zachary Carey was contacted and responded to assist during the investigation.
At 11:46 p.m., deputies identified and located the suspect at a Callaway County residence. He was arrested, taken to the Callaway County Sheriff's Office and transferred into the custody of the Callaway County Juvenile Office.
Press releases from North Callaway Superintendent Brian Garner and Chism emphasized how seriously the district and sheriff's office treat school safety.
"Any threats made toward our schools are considered as serious and handled as such," Chism said. "Our stance will not deviate on this matter."
North Callaway is one of three districts in the county participating in the SRO program with the sheriff's office. Carey's first day with the district was Jan. 2, and he's already more than earned his keep, Garner said.
"The whole sheriff's department is so supportive of our school," he added.
School was in session as usual Friday morning, but the district had been closed Monday-Thursday due to last weekend's snow event.
"We would not be having school if we weren't safe," Garner said. "There's no need for panic, and the situation is under control."
Chism and Garner both thanked the individual or individuals who reported the threat to authorities. Garner declined to state whether a student made the report to law enforcement.
"We would like to thank everyone for their support in continuing to make North Callaway a safe place for kids," Garner said.