A middle school student in Jefferson was arrested after an alleged verbal incident happened Tuesday morning.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio a middle school student was involved in a verbal argument and it escalated to the student making a threat to use a firearm on the group of students to cause them harm. Clouse notes they were contacted by the middle school administration and that school officials searched the student’s backpack and locker and didn’t find a weapon or firearm. 

Clouse says the student was arrested and charged with a Class C Felony for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, which is a non-forcible felony; and an aggravated misdemeanor for first degree harassment. The student was transported to a juvenile detention facility and the case is directed to juvenile court services. 

Communication was sent by Greene County Schools Superintendent Brett Abbotts following the incident on Tuesday that this was an isolated incident and that the district takes this situation seriously and is complying with the police in its investigation. Abbotts reminds everyone to speak up if they see something that could be a potential school safety issue.