FROM STAFF REPORTS

CHELSEA – A Chelsea man was charged with five counts of kidnapping and one charge for terrorist threats after entering Chelsea Middle School and holding five girls at gunpoint against their will Feb. 12, according to a release from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the release, Ryan Matthew Sims, 21, entered CMS about 3 p.m. A deputy assigned to the school for security purposes immediately moved from the front entrance to where Sims was seen.

There, the deputy and the principal confronted Sims and learned that he was holding five female students against their will in the girls locker room, the release stated.

Over the course of the next few minutes, the deputy and principal talked Sims into releasing the students and then surrendering himself. No one was injured and the suspect was transported to the Shelby County Jail.

On Feb. 13, Sheriff’s investigators obtained six arrest warrants for Sims, five warrants for kidnapping first degree and one warrant for terrorist threats. He remains in the Shelby County Jail and his bonds total $5,015,000, the release stated.

According to the release, Curry has re-affirmed his commitment to place a deputy in each of the Shelby County schools where the Sheriff’s Office has primary jurisdiction. Deputies will continue to be present at these schools while students are there to ensure their safety.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office directly at 669-4181, through the Secret Witness line at 669-9116 or through ShelbySO.com by clicking on the “Report Criminal Activity” link and choosing the “General Information” category.