An 18-year-old Crothersville High School student was arrested Tuesday on felony Intimidation charges following threats made toward the school, police report.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Crothersville Police Officers were notified by school officials a student 18-year-old James S. Collman had made comments to other students that he would cause harm to them and to the school, according to a news release from Sgt. Stephen Wheeles with the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles.
Wheeles, the post’s public information officer, a Crothersville officer arrived at the school very quickly and immediately detained Collman. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday and being held without bond pending his initial court appearance in Jackson Circuit Court.
Due to the nature of the threats, the Crothersville Police Department requested assistance from additional law enforcement agencies in evacuating the Crothersville School Building, Wheeles said.
Officers from multiple agencies, including the state police, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Excise Police and Brownstown Police Department responded and quickly worked together with school employees to evacuate the building and to get the students to a safe location.
The school corporation’s administration made the decision to cancel classes for the school district for the remainder of the school day. Extra law enforcement remained on scene until students were safely released to go home. Classes are expected to resume this morning, according to the school website.
Officers then thoroughly cleared the building to make sure it is safe for the return of students. Additional resources, including a New Albany Police Department K-9 and the Columbus Police Department Bomb Squad assisted in clearing the building. No weapons or explosive devices were found during the sweep and the building was determined to be safe for the return of students and staff.
After the investigation by the Crothersville Police Department, with the assistance of Indiana State Police Detectives, Collman was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail where he was incarcerated on a felony charge of Intimidation. Additional charges are possible.