THREAT MADE AGAINST LOCAL SCHOOL

PUTNAM COUNTY, TN—On Friday March 27, 2025, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office SRO Deputies
were notified that a 17-year-old Cookeville High School student stated, “I have a gun and I’m going to
shoot up the school.”

SRO Deputies immediately located the juvenile and took him into custody. During the investigation, the
juvenile admitted that he had said those words but claimed he said them as a joke.

The juvenile was transported to Putnam County Juvenile Detention and has been charged with Threat of
Mass Violence (T.C.A. 39-16-517) against Cookeville High School.

At no point was Cookeville High School placed on lockdown.

Sheriff Farris wants to emphasize the seriousness of these types of statements, “There is nothing that
would be considered a joke when it comes to making threats of mass violence to our schools. We take
every comment like this seriously and will respond quickly to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Anyone who makes a threat will be held accountable according to state law.”

Media Contact:
Morgan Abston, Public Information Officer | pio@putnamcountytnsheriff.gov | 931.265.8605

“Earning the Public’s Trust Every Day!”