Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Authorities are investigating a threat made to a county school Thursday afternoon, prompting swift action and school lockdowns. The incident unfolded when a 911 caller issued a threat to a county school around 3 p.m. Carter County 911 promptly traced the location of the cellphone used to make the call to the vicinity of Happy Valley. Deputies from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office swiftly responded to the area, prompting lockdowns at Happy Valley High School, Happy Valley Middle School, Happy Valley Elementary School, and Central Elementary School. Officers from the Elizabethton Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol also rushed to the schools to aid in the response. Law enforcement personnel systematically cleared the schools and surrounding athletic fields. By 4 p.m., authorities lifted the lockdowns at all schools, allowing students to be released for parent pick-up and bus transportation. Sheriff Mike Fraley emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We take the safety of our students and our schools very seriously. Any threat to their safety will be thoroughly investigated and any individual involved will be prosecuted.” A collaborative investigation between the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and the Elizabethton Police Department is currently underway to address the incident. Further details regarding the nature of the threat or potential suspects have not been disclosed at this time.