OZARK, Ala. — A 14-year-old has been arrested following an investigation into a threatening social media post that targeted Ozark schools, prompting heightened security measures and the closure of local schools.
The incident began Wednesday when administrators at Carroll High School alerted Ozark Police to a concerning post on social media that allegedly outlined plans for a school shooting. In response to the threat, Ozark schools were closed on Friday, as authorities worked to assess and mitigate any potential danger.
According to the Ozark Police Department (OPD), the investigation was launched after receiving the tip, which led to an extensive digital probe. Initially, investigators sorted through approximately 1,500 leads in an effort to track down the individual responsible for the online threat. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) both assisted with the inquiry, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The investigation involved analyzing a complex digital footprint, which required careful scrutiny of online activity and multiple interviews with potential suspects. OPD investigators worked across several jurisdictions, reaching out to authorities in other states as part of their efforts to trace the source of the threat.
On Friday, the OPD brought the 14-year-old to the police department for questioning, where the juvenile admitted to making the post. The teen was subsequently charged with making terrorist threats, a felony under Alabama law. Due to the state’s privacy laws, the juvenile’s identity and gender have not been disclosed.
Ozark Police Commander Everett Evans, along with Senior Sergeant Justin Chadwick, Investigators Bryan Dresh, Zachery Lapeer, and Landon Easterling, played key roles in the investigation. The department also expressed gratitude for the help of other law enforcement personnel, including Dale County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Lieutenant Caroline Jackson, SBI Special Agent Samuel Redman, FBI Special Agent Heather Whelan, and Ozark City Schools Safety Technology Director Walter Handley.
In a statement, OPD highlighted the complexity of online investigations of this nature. “Investigating anonymous social media threats of this magnitude requires navigating a complex digital landscape,” the release noted. Perpetrators often use advanced techniques to conceal their identities, such as VPNs, proxy servers, encrypted messaging platforms, and anonymizing tools. These methods make it extremely difficult for law enforcement to pinpoint the location of the individual responsible. Additionally, privacy laws and platform policies often limit access to critical data, which requires legal action such as subpoenas and warrants.
“Such threats can be rapidly deleted or altered, and the use of fake accounts and geolocation services further complicates investigations. This type of case demands significant resources, technical expertise, and multi-jurisdictional collaboration,” OPD officials explained.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the growing challenges law enforcement faces in combating online threats. While the teen’s arrest brings a resolution to this particular case, it underscores the need for continued vigilance and resource investment in digital forensics to safeguard communities from similar threats in the future.
