Multiple units responded Wednesday morning at Cocke County High School in response to a bomb threat.
Cocke County High School and Rural Medical Services’ building were evacuated early Wednesday morning in Newport in response to a bomb threat. The students were evacuated to the bleachers of Cocke County High School.
Shortly before noon, the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) advised that nothing suspicious was found and there was no credible threat after a thorough search of the campus. All students and staff have resumed their normal routine.
CCSO also stated, via a press release on its app, information received on social media about a firearm being found was “completely false”, adding “do not take information from social media. We will be transparent in all press releases and provide … the most reliable information.”
According to Cocke County Sheriff C.J. Ball, a note was found about a bomb threat in one of the bathrooms of the high school around 8 a.m.
“The school activated evacuation protocol sweeping the structure to ensure nothing is harmful in the buildings,” Ball said, while the process was taking place.
As of 10:30 a.m., Ball advised that two of the buildings had been cleared of any threat by law enforcement and the main building was in the process of being cleared.
K-9 bomb detecting dogs were deployed and Homeland Security responded. In addition to the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office, units from The Newport Police Department, Cocke County Fire Department, Newport Fire Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Morristown Police Department responded.
Notification of the threat was sent out on the sheriff’s office app.
The notification said: “Cocke County High School has been evacuated based on a bomb threat. Local law enforcement is on scene including Homeland Security, Greene and Jefferson County K-9 explosive, Morristown PD K-9 explosive and other first responders.”
“All students and staff are safe and the K-9 search is underway. We ask you to remain calm as law enforcement conducts their safety sweep of the buildings to ensure the safety,” it continued.
The app is available online by looking in the app store for “CockeCSO.” The app is free to download.
The investigation is ongoing, including review of security camera footage.
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