NORTH SHELBY – An Oak Mountain Middle School student was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 1, for allegedly making a terrorist threat.

School officials and the school resource officer assigned to OMMS by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office determined there was no “immediate physical threat to students,” but school activities were disrupted and the suspect was transported to the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center.

The SRO received a report from school officials that a student made a threat directed at another student regarding the use of a gun.

An investigation resulted in the arrest and charge of making a terrorist threat.

Oak Mountain Middle School Principal Larry Haynes posted a message to the school’s Facebook page on Nov. 1 that said students were held in their first period classes during the investigation, and the dismissal bell was delayed for about four minutes.

“We take any potential compromise to our children’s safety seriously,” the message read. “I apologize for the delays in the dismissal bells, but we wanted to assure our students, teachers and staff were safe. I am thankful to report that the threat was not credible, and no guns or drugs were found at the school.

“I thank each of you who have contacted me regarding today’s event. [Friday] will be a regular school day. I am not aware of any threats or safety concerns for any of our students, teachers and staff. Please talk to your children and assure them that everything is fine and that their safety and well-being are our top priorities.”

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said he wanted parents to know that the SROs assigned to OMMS and other schools are there to ensure students are able to learn in a safe environment.

“In this case, the system in place worked as it should,” read a press release. “The cooperation between school officials, the school resource officer and students helped to bring this incident to a quick resolution. “