(DOTHAN, Ala.) On September 6, 2024, Dothan Police Investigators made contact with a student who allegedly made threats to commit acts of violence at Dothan Preparatory Academy. Investigators, working since the day before, looked into the threat and identified the person who made the threat. The suspect was identified as a juvenile student. Investigators worked quickly to make contact with the suspect and, after investigating, arrested the juvenile for Making a Terrorist Threat 1st degree, which is a felony. Due to juvenile privacy laws, no further information about the juvenile can be released.
In the evening hours of September 5, 2024, the Dothan Police Department was made aware of threats to commit violent acts at a Dothan City School posted on social media. Investigators were notified and worked diligently to identify the source of the threat. Until the source was identified, extra security was placed around the schools as a precaution this morning to deter violence. As soon as the source was identified, investigators took the juvenile into custody to conduct interviews. As a result of the investigation, the juvenile was charged with Making a Terrorist Threat 1st degree. More arrests are possible, and this is still an ongoing investigation.
The Dothan Police Department wants to thank the community for their assistance in protecting children in our schools. When threats are made, regardless of the intent, the Dothan Police Department always takes those situations seriously and will hold those who make threats accountable in accordance with State Law. We appreciate those that knew of the threat who came forward to share their concerns with the Dothan Police Department.
Dothan City Schools will follow up and apply appropriate disciplinary action according to their Student Handbook. Just as Dothan City Schools said in their release, the Dothan Police Department also encourages parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of threats and the importance of reporting suspicious activities or threats to a trusted adult or School Resource Officer.
Anyone who had information about threats to our schools can submit tips directly to the Dothan Police Department or through Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, 833-AL1-STOP, or at P3TIPS.com.
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