3 Paulding County schools targeted by threats

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Fear of a campus shooting left the halls nearly empty at North Paulding High School on Friday.

"We had a 4 percent attendance at North Paulding High School," associate superintendent Brian Otott said.

A threat, in the form of a note written on a desk warning of a shooting Friday, was found this week.

The message spread quickly on social media, leading to increased law enforcement presence at the school. Other Paulding County schools also fielded threats.

Someone wrote threatening messages in a bathroom at Hiram High School. Investigators said a student at Paulding High School posted a questionable message on Snapchat.

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"That's three of our five high schools that have been impacted in the past 24 hours," Otott said.

A 14-year-old student was arrested in connection to the Paulding High School threat. The student tried to explain that it was just a joke.

"The things that you post could be criminal activity," said Sgt. Ashley Henson said, with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

"There can be life-changing consequences for you," Otott said.

The Sheriff's Office is still working to find the person behind the threat at North Paulding High School. Authorities urge parents to step in.

"This is not a joke and parents need to take control of their children's social media accounts and monitor them. We will prosecute every incident of this," Henson said.

School officials said they are planning normal school operations on Monday, with an increased police presence.

Cox Media Group