Three people have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to carry out a shooting at a high school in Georgia, according to the Canton Police Department.
The case began when the FBI identified threatening posts on social media and alerted Cherokee County School District Police. The school district police then contacted Canton police on Oct. 19, and detectives opened an investigation.
A juvenile, whose name has not been released, was arrested on Oct. 20. That person was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and with disruption or interference with the operation of public schools, police said.
Detectives identified two more suspects on Oct. 22. Warrants were issued, and both were arrested the next day, Oct. 23.
One of them is Shane Keith Taylor, 17, of Metter, Georgia. He was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and taken to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
The other is Michael Brandon Terry, 21, of Chatsworth, California. He also faces a conspiracy to commit murder charge and is awaiting transport to the Cherokee County facility.
Investigators collected guns, ammunition and electronic devices as evidence. Police said there is no known ongoing threat to the high school involved or to any other school in Cherokee County.
Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell praised the response. "The safety of our students and school staff is a top priority, and we take every threat seriously," he said. "I appreciate the quick action of our law enforcement partners and the dedication of our detectives in identifying and arresting the suspects."
In a video statement, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis said she recognized the responsibility to ensure that schools are safe and secure for students and staff every day.
