Centre Middle School Placed on Secure Status After Threat; Student Charged, No Active Danger

Composite headline image created using a combination of original photo of Centre Middle School and AI-generated elements for illustrative purposes.

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Local Breaking News | April 17, 2026

CENTRE, Ala. — Centre Middle School was placed on secure status Friday morning, April 17, after authorities responded to reports of an online threat involving the campus, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no active threat to the school or the community at this time.

Swift Response Ensures Student Safety

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, deputies were alerted early Friday morning—before the start of the school day—about a student who allegedly made threatening comments on social media. Authorities also received information that an image appearing to show a firearm had been shared and circulated among students overnight.

The school’s assigned School Resource Officer, along with additional deputies and the Centre Police Department, responded immediately and were already on campus when the student arrived.

Officials say the student was quickly detained and taken into custody without incident.

A thorough check of the campus confirmed there was no danger to students, teachers, or staff, and no weapons were found during the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, the student has been charged with Terrorist Threats in the Second Degree. Authorities stated the individual is currently being interviewed as the investigation continues.

Deputies remain actively involved in the case, working alongside school officials to ensure all aspects of the situation are fully addressed.

Sheriff Shaver expressed concern over the increasing frequency of threats involving local schools.

“It is disturbing that we have now dealt with two threats involving our schools this week,” Shaver said. “I am urging parents to have conversations with their children about the seriousness of this type of conduct and the very real consequences that can follow.”

He also emphasized the importance of parental awareness and community involvement:

“I am also asking parents to remain vigilant and speak up if they see warning signs or become aware of concerning behavior. We all want the very best for our children and safe environments where they can learn, grow, and succeed.”

Officials stressed that incidents like this understandably raise concern among families, but reiterated that student safety remains the top priority.

The Sheriff’s Office extended appreciation to the Centre Police Department and school administrators for their quick coordination and cooperation during the response.

Authorities are reminding the public that all threats are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated to protect local schools and the community.

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