Powell, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A juvenile has been arrested and charged after allegedly claiming to have a bomb at Powell Middle School, prompting a precautionary evacuation and a large law enforcement response Friday morning.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the school after receiving reports that a student had threatened to have an explosive device. Authorities said the juvenile later attempted to take back the statement, but investigators moved forward with a full investigation.
Detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Division and Homeland Security responded to the scene and conducted interviews while working to determine the credibility of the threat.
Following the investigation, the juvenile was taken into custody and charged with False Report.
The incident prompted school administrators to evacuate the building while emergency responders, school security personnel and law enforcement searched the campus and assessed the situation.
Officials ultimately determined the threat was unfounded and confirmed that no explosive devices were found.
Knox County Schools later announced that the building had been cleared and students were allowed to return to class.
In a statement, school officials said the evacuation was carried out as a precaution while authorities investigated the reported threat.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that threats involving schools are treated seriously and will result in criminal consequences when appropriate.
Sheriff’s officials urged parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of making threats, stressing that bomb threats and other school-related threats are not considered jokes or pranks by law enforcement.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the school, and normal operations resumed after the building was cleared.
