Hickory Police investigators identify source of threats

Hickory Police investigators identified the source of threats made towards Hickory Public Schools.

On Monday, February 20, Hickory Public Schools received messages threatening violent acts. The schools were placed on lockdown and the Hickory Police Department (HPD) was called to investigate. Officers responded to each school in the district to verify each campus was secure.

Investigators determined there was no immediate threat to the students and faculty of Hickory Public Schools.

A juvenile petition was issued on Wednesday, February 22, for Felony Communication of a Threat of Mass Violence on Educational Property. The suspect is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice and is scheduled to appear in Catawba County District Court on Friday, February 24. Due to the suspect being a juvenile, HPD is unable to release their name to the public.

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information in reference to this case, please contact Sgt. G. Clark at pgclark@hickorync.gov or call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.