Last Updated on January 26, 2025 2:03 pm
UPDATE Saturday January 25, 2025 – Official Statement from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office: Update on Tuesday’s incident at McDowell High School
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has made significant progress in the investigation of Tuesday’s incident at McDowell High School.
A suspect has been identified as a 16-year-old juvenile residing in Sacramento, California. Authorities in California, through effective information-sharing among agencies, were able to connect this individual to similar incidents in that state. The suspect was taken into custody yesterday by California law enforcement on charges related to those incidents.
Due to the suspect’s age, no additional details about identity can be released.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, along with the SBI and California authorities, continue to investigate the matter and is actively working to obtain the necessary evidence and information to pursue charges in McDowell County.
We appreciate the ongoing cooperation and dedication of all law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation and remain committed to ensuring justice is served.
There is no further information at this time. We will continue to update you when new information is available.
January 21, 2025 – No threat was found after a report of an active shooter at McDowell High School this morning.
Around 8:11 am McDowell County 911 received an anonymous call of a possible active shooter at McDowell High School, according to a statement by Superintendent Tracy Grit.
Law enforcement and emergency personnel immediately responded and conducted a thorough search of the building. No shots were heard, and there was found to be no confirmed threat to students or staff, according to Superintendent Grit.
Students were released from McDowell High School and West McDowell Middle School at 10 am this morning.
