Gwinnett County police say there’s a recent increase in threats made against schools

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett County police department said it is investigating an increase in threats to schools in the county.

Police said there have been several in recent days, that include harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against schools. Authorities said that most of the threats turn out to be hoaxes.

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“Though many of these threats are anonymous and turn out to be hoaxes, we will take every threat seriously. Threats and crimes committed upon school grounds against students or school personnel are enforced with more substantial penalties and include incarceration time,” the department said.

Authorities said if you know of someone making threats, you’re asked to call Gwinnett Police Department by dialing 911.

Witnesses are encouraged to call GCPD Investigators or Atlanta Crime Stoppers with any helpful information. If anyone has any information to share regarding any case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

It’s not just the schools that are targets of threats.

The Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office has issued a statement and a warning after social media threats were made against the Gwinnett County Board of Education.

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“Under no circumstances will this behavior be tolerated in Gwinnett County,” the office said.

The social media threat against the board members includes a call to raise money to “hire professionals to follow them 24/7.″ The post encouraged people to create a GoFundMe account and donate money to it.

The solicitor’s office said that anyone who threatens or endangers the lives of anyone, could receive jail time and a $1,000 fine if convicted.

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“More serious offenses could be referred to the District Attorney for prosecution,” said Solicitor-General Whiteside. “All threatening social media posts directed towards the Gwinnett County Board of Education are being investigated.”

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