On Friday December 13, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the School Resource Deputy at Ooltewah High School was contacted by a student who claimed that another student told them he had a briefcase containing explosives on a bus. The bus in question was identified and the deputy immediately contacted his supervisor who then contacted the Director of Transportation for Hamilton County Schools.

The bus was contacted and was instructed to pull into the Tractor Supply parking lot located at 9408 Apison Pike.

Law enforcement personnel then responded to the scene to evacuate students from the bus and set up a perimeter.

The SRD also responded to the scene and identified the student who admitted to indicating that he had an explosive device in a small briefcase. The student was immediately taken into custody.

Sheriff’s Office personnel on-site were able to inspect the briefcase and determine that it did not contain explosives. The all-clear was given at approximately 3:41 p.m.

The juvenile suspect was transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Unit and charged with the following; Threat of Mass Violence on school property or school-related activity, and False Reports.