An Eastside Elementary School student received three charges after reportedly making threats this week, but the situation was handled quickly.  

According to the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Eastside officials were made aware of a threat that was made by a student on April 11. Eastside Elementary Principal Rex Crabtree informed parents of the situation on Facebook and by a phone call on Wednesday. 

In the post, Crabtree says, “I’m sending an all call out later this evening to let everyone know that an Eastside student used threatening language today at school. The situation has been resolved and law enforcement handled the situation. We value the safety of all our students and staff and the issue was handled immediately.”

Following an investigation, a student was charged for a threat of mass violence on school grounds, filing a false report and aggravated assault. The student has an appearance date set in Juvenile Court on April 17. 

This is the second student this month to be arrested for threats. The first was a Morrison Elementary School student on April 6. So far this school year, a total of eight students have been arrested for threats. 

On Tuesday, Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows, Sheriff Jackie Matheny Jr. and District Attorney General Chris Stanford released a joint statement addressing recent threats and behaviors. They wanted to assure students and families that these threats are taken very seriously. The statement says Tennessee law makes it illegal for anyone to use threatening language focused on a school or anyone in it. If a student uses threatening language, appropriate actions will be taken. 

The statement says, “All of our schools have threat assessment teams in place that are professionally trained to deal with these situations. When deemed necessary, law enforcement will take over and use their authority to punish appropriately. That authority has been used recently in our schools. While these types of events are unsettling, they are made necessary by the reckless use of inappropriate language and behavior.” 

Parents are encouraged to have conversations with students on these matters. 

Swallows, Matheny and Stanford thank those who come forward with information, but stress that spreading rumors is unhelpful. 

“Please be responsible in these reports by not circulating rumors, but passing on information that you see or hear personally.”