Two students in custody following social media threat at Eighth Street Middle School in Tifton

“On September 23, 2024, the FBI notified the Tift County 911 Center Dispatch about a social media threat they had received via Snapchat at Eight St. Middle School. The Snapchat stated, “Im shooting up 8th St middle school.” The 911 Center dispatched Tifton Police Department officers to the school. The officers arrived, met with the school staff, briefed them on the threat, and proceeded to the classroom. A 14-year-old juvenile was taken into custody. As the investigation progressed, a second 15-year-old juvenile was taken into custody. Both Juveniles were arrested and charged with Disrupting a Public School and Terroristic Threats and Acts and are currently being held in a Youth Detention Center. No weapons were found on the juveniles or at the school.””The investigation is still active and ongoing. If you have any information on this case, please contact Detective Roberto Torres at 229-382-3132. An anonymous tip can be submitted to TPD using the Tifton PD Tip411 app. Text TIFTONPD and your tip to 847411, or visit www.tifton.net, click tip411, and complete the online form.”

“Again, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of talking with your children about making threats and the potential consequences of their statements,” said Chief Hyman.