CANTON, GA — Three people were arrested including a former student after being accused in an alleged conspiracy to carry out a shooting at Cherokee County High School.
Canton Police officials say an investigation began after the FBI identified threatening social media posts and notified Cherokee County School District Police.
The school district police then contacted the Canton Police Department leading to an investigation.
On Oct. 20, a juvenile was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder and disruption or interference with the operation of public schools. The juvenile’s identity is not being released by officials.
On Oct. 23, Michael Brandon Terry, 21, of Chatsworth, California, was arrested in California by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department. Canton police officials say Shane Keith Taylor, 17, of Metter, Georgia, was also arrested by Canton detectives.
“The safety of our students and school staff is a top priority, and we take every threat seriously,” said Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell. “I appreciate the quick action of our law enforcement partners and the dedication of our detectives in identifying and arresting the suspects.”
“During the investigation, law enforcement collected firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices as evidence,” Canton Police officials said. “Based on information developed during the investigation, authorities have identified no known ongoing threat to Cherokee High School or any other Cherokee County school.”
A spokesperson released the following statement:
“Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis and School Police Chief Buster Cushing this afternoon met with the Cherokee High School faculty and staff to share this information with them in person. Assistant Superintendent Rodney Larrotta and School Police Sgt. Ryan Bleisath simultaneously met with the faculty and staff of our neighboring middle school to do the same. Additional police officers are on the Cherokee HS campus, and Principal Andy Hall will have additional school counselors on campus beginning tomorrow to support students and staff. We have shared a message about this information with all of our employees and all students’ parents.”
To view the full statement, click the online link here.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883 or submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
This is a developing story. Stay with WSB Radio News for updates.
