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BY IVAN SANDERS

CITY OF ELIZABETHTON PIO

A 14-year-old female student at T.A. Dugger Jr. High has been arrested and charged with threat of mass violence to a school and possession of a weapon (knife) on school property.

The investigation and the arrest of the suspect began because of vandalism discovered in one of the girl’s bathrooms at the school on Wednesday which revealed inappropriate and concerning language.

Once the statements were discovered, the administrative staff of the school along with the Elizabethton Police Department began to aggressively investigate the threats included in the vandalism.

At no time during the investigation were there imminent threats or danger to the students or staff at the school.

School administration advised that should the investigation yield any additional information that necessitates further security measures, parents and guardians will be notified immediately via a school messenger call from the school or district office.

The school system stated, “As always, we are incredibly appreciative of our partnership with the Elizabethton Police Department and its unwavering commitment to the safety of our students and staff.”