SMITHVILLE, Tenn. — For the third time in less than a month, a DeKalb County student has been charged with the felony offense of making a threat of mass violence on school property. The latest case involves a 16-year-old DeKalb County High School student who, according to authorities, made statements indicating an intent to shoot another student.
Chief Deputy Brian Williams of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department said the teen’s parents have been formally served with a juvenile petition alleging the delinquent act of threats of mass violence. The student has been placed on a court-ordered ankle monitoring system and is scheduled to appear in juvenile court on September 18, 2025.
According to Chief Deputy Williams, a witness reported the 16-year-old “stated when he got his gun ready, he is going to shoot them,” referring to another student. The witness notified school staff, who then alerted the School Resource Officer at DeKalb County High School.
The juvenile petition states that on September 16, 2025, at 1130 West Broad Street, Smithville, Tennessee 37166 (DeKalb County High School), the student made the statement about shooting another student; when asked which one, he referenced “another student,” according to the witness. The petition further notes the teen “didn’t admit to the exact statement but did state that he felt like shooting other students at school,” and that “it has also been said” the student regularly stated, “I’ll just blow it up.”
Chief Deputy Williams commended the students who promptly reported the threat and encouraged others to do the same if they become aware of potential harm to schools, students, teachers, or administrators.
This marks the third school-related threat case this school year in DeKalb County:
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August 27: A 17-year-old DeKalb County High School student was charged with the felony offense of making a threat of mass violence and was housed at a juvenile detention center pending a court hearing.
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September 5: A 12-year-old DeKalb Middle School student was charged with the same felony offense. The juvenile was placed in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services pending a court hearing, as age prohibited detention-center housing.
Authorities emphasized that because the individuals are juveniles, identifying details are withheld. The charge is an allegation; proceedings will occur in juvenile court.
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