Federal investigators and local law enforcement are targeting the sources of multiple hoax threats made against Putnam County schools on Tuesday morning.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said that Cane Creek Elementary received a call at approximately 7:58 a.m. reporting an individual allegedly hiding in a school bathroom with an AR-15. The press release said the school was placed on a hard lockdown while deputies conducted a full search and determined there was no active threat.
“Any threat involving our schools will always be taken seriously and responded to immediately,” Sheriff Eddie Farris said. “While these incidents were determined to be hoaxes, these types of calls create fear and disrupt education. We are committed to thoroughly investigating these incidents and holding those responsible accountable.”
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the same call was also made to Cookeville High School. The press release said deputies followed the same protocols to clear the building and found no active threat.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have confirmed the calls are part of a series of hoax phone calls occurring across the country. The press release said investigators believe the individuals responsible do not live in Putnam County and likely do not reside in Tennessee.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the origin of the calls is believed to be the same group that called in threats against Cane Creek Elementary and the Courthouse last week. The press release said a joint investigation with federal partners is ongoing to bring charges against those accountable.
