HVMS ‘threat’ arrest made

HARDIN VALLEY — Knox County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Crimes Detectives unit has arrested a 12-year-old seventh-grade student for making a false report and threats of mass violence in connection with the evacuation at Hardin Valley Middle School.

The incident occurred Tuesday, April 2. The name of the minor was omitted as “reports involving minors are confidential,” said Kimberly Glenn, communications direction with KCSO.

HVMS was evacuated early afternoon, Tuesday, April 2, which was attributed to a potential threat to the school “as a precaution as school security and law enforcement investigate a potential threat to the school,” said Carly Harrington, chief of communications for Knox County Schools.

Since the evacuation, HVMS principal Cory Smith shared messages with parents that included: “I appreciate your understanding and support, and I want you to know that our staff followed the procedures we practice each year for days like today. 

“Due to policy and procedures, I cannot share the specific nature of the potential threat,” he further stated. “While this was a potential threat and, in the end, had no validity, in such instances we will always exercise caution regarding the safety of our children and staff.”

Knox County Sheriff’s Office had been investigating since 1 p.m. that Tuesday, after a student at Hardin Valley Middle School made a verbal threat.