By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A juvenile suspect from Madison County is facing a felony terrorist threat charge in connection with a Jan. 10 phone threat and subsequent lockdown at Thompson High School, according to the Alabaster Police Department.

On Thursday, Jan. 10, shortly after 1 p.m., the Alabaster Police Department was notified of a threat of violence called in over the phone to Thompson High School. The school was placed on lockdown, and multiple APD officers responded to ensure the safety of the students and faculty.

The lockdown was lifted about 40 minutes after it began after officers searched the school and concluded the phone threat was unsubstantiated.

The Alabaster Police Department Criminal Investigations Division immediately began an investigation into the identity of the caller. During the investigation, a juvenile from Madison County was identified as the offender, according to the APD. Because of the suspect’s age, police have not released the suspect’s identity.

The juvenile is being charged with one count of making a terrorist threat, a Class C felony carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years upon conviction.

The Alabaster Police Department thanked the Huntsville Police Department for its cooperation during this incident.

“Threats to schools will never be taken lightly. The Alabaster Police Department will do everything in its power to ensure the safety of our children,” said Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney.

Following the lockdown, Alabaster School Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said all students were safe and accounted for, and said the school was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure while officers were searching the school.