Two Latta High School students were arrested today (Wednesday) for allegedly threatening a school shooting at Latta High School, according to Captain Cliff Arnette of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.
One student is a male and one is a female. Latta School Administration notified the School Resource Officer about the threat.
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UPDATE:
Two Latta High School students were arrested Wednesday for allegedly threatening a school shooting at Latta High School, according to Captain Cliff Arnette of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.
Dillon District Three (Latta) Superintendent Dr. John Kirby released a statement on the matter on Thursday that said the following:
On “Wednesday, August 28, 2019, two students (a male and female, one an underclass student and one an upper class student) from Latta High School were arrested from school and charged with threatening a school with violence”
“Several witnesses overheard this pair discussing and planning a shooting at the high school directed to disable the principal and the office staff and then proceed with an attack in the rest of the building. A staff member was alerted to this discussion, and in turn, immediately notified the office. Our administration followed protocol, and our SRO (School Resource Officer) staff took charge, secured the students, and notified the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office. Upon further notification, the Dillon County Solicitor’s advised the SROs to bring them into custody to be charged.”
“While this incident was unfortunate, everyone involved followed proper protocol swiftly and effectively. We continually reinforce to our students that the best defense to prevent a violent situation in school is students themselves alerting us as soon as possible and let staff know so that the entire school family can be protected. Our students alerted us, administration and SROs took swift action, and county legal authorities evaluated this situation, took it seriously, and quickly removed the threat so our high school could remain safe. Again all involved did their job to protect our high school family from what we believe to be this time was a very real serious potential probable occurrence.”
“Both students have already been recommended for expulsion from school. Board policy for this severe infraction allows for a consideration of the maximum allowable consequence of permanent expulsion in the hearing procedure which will be held as quickly as possible. Further investigation will continue, but we have removed any threat of violence by immediate removal of the students involved. The high school staff will be vigilant the rest of this week and will also be ready to counsel any students who need such to reassure them that the school is safe. So far today (Thursday) the school has been operating normally.”
