COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A 14-year-old male student was arrested for allegedly making false threats that led to a lockdown at Allatoona High School, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
Cobb County 911 received a report from the "988 Lifeline" crisis hotline on Nov. 19 claiming that an armed person was at Allatoona High. The school immediately initiated a "code red" lockdown, and local law enforcement, including the Cobb County School District Police Department, responded to assess the threat.
During the investigation, officials determined that it was fake, and the next day, a similar call was reported.
Detectives could trace the second call back to the 14-year-old Allatoona High student, and during an interview, officials said he admitted to making the threats.
The student faces charges of terroristic threats, transmitting a false public alarm, and disrupting the operation of a public school. The Cobb County School District emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward such disruptions.
This follows a wave of false threats to Georgia schools that came into law enforcement following the deadly Apalachee High School shooting, where accused student Colt Gray allegedly killed two teachers and two students, hurting several others.
“We are grateful for the quick response of Cobb Schools Police and local law enforcement in investigating the reported threats this week," A Cobb County School District SPokesperson said in part. "Their efforts confirmed the threats were fake, and our students and staff are safe—our top priority. In the months since the terrible incident in Barrow County, Cobb schools have been inundated with fake threats, false reports of threats, and incidents of ‘swatting.’ The District takes all reports very seriously and will prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law."
Those wishing to make safety concerns are asked to use the district's tipline.