BHS student arrested for making social media threats, promptly released by Department of Juvenile Justice

Baldwin County Sheriff's Office deputies moved in earlier today and arrested a juvenile student at Baldwin High School after the student reportedly took part in a "TikTok school shooting challenge."

According to Maj. Scott Deason, the Sheriff's Office "recommended detention" for the juvenile at an area RYDC facility. The Department of Justice declined, however, and released the student into the custody of his legal guardians, Deason added.

This comes on the heels of a Friday incident at Oak Hill Middle School in which a student told administrators that "he was playing around at the lunch table with his friends" about shooting up the school and "didn't think that any of his friends would take it seriously."

Deason added that the Sheriff's Office is very much aware of other rumors and reports  currently circulating around the two schools.

"We look into every bit of information we receive. We take each and every (rumor and report) very seriously, and we investigate and document all of them," he said. "We have personnel, a school resource officer, in the schools, and we work closely with administration."

A relatively significant number of parents chose to keep their children home from school today.

"I totally understand parents' concerns, but I want to ensure parents that our schools are safe and encourage them to allow their children to go to school and get their education uninterrupted."

The Baldwin County School District on Monday sent out a robocall to parents regarding the TikTok incident, while also issuing a release.

"Please know that all threats at our school, students or staff are taken very seriously and are investigated thoroughly to ensure that all parties receive accurate information," the release read.

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