Threat causes hour-long code red lockdown, late dismissal at Twiggs County schools
Twiggs County Public Schools were under a code red lockdown Wednesday afternoon, the school district confirmed.
The lockdown occurred from about 2-3:30 p.m., according to Shannon L. Dotsikas, director of human resources for the school district.
“They’re still trying to make sure everything’s good, so they’re now focused on school trying to be out,” Dotsikas told The Telegraph around the same time the lockdown ended.
A “security concern (in) the vicinity” was being investigated and an “active threat” had been identified, Twiggs County Public Schools announced at 2:38 p.m. Wednesday. Later, they described it as a “potential threat.”
All three schools in the county were on lockdown, including Jeffersonville Elementary School, Twiggs County Middle School and Twiggs County High School. They sit beside each other on Bullard and Watson roads in Jeffersonville.
After-school dismissal was delayed until law enforcement authorities could ensure it was safe to proceed, according to the announcement.
“Entrance (and) exiting” was prohibited at all three campuses during the lockdown, the school district said.
Everyone was safe, according to the announcement, a statement that the district echoed in a 3:15 p.m. update, although the district confirmed it was still under code red lockdown at that time.
Local law enforcement authorities and campus police investigated and responded to the incident “in a timely and efficient manner,” the school district said. “Additional safety measures” were also put in place.
“We are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all students and staff...” Twiggs County Public Schools said. “We ask for your patience and understanding as we prioritize everyone’s safety.”
The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office had not responded to The Telegraph’s request for comment, and more details about the incident weren’t released Wednesday afternoon.
This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 3:22 PM.
