UPDATED
We have learned more information on the gun fire reported near a Dade County School Bus. Three have been arrested from Gass Rd on Sand mountain. Sheriff Cross has released the following statement.
On September 4th, Dade County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Superintendent of Dade County Schools, that a bus driver reported seeing a male standing next to the roadway, and also hearing gunshots when the bus passed the male, while he was driving his route on Gass Rd. The bus driver was interviewed by a SRO, and the SRO’s identified the students on the bus, attempting to find additional witnesses to the incident.
After contacting additional witnesses and gathering more info, a police report was made.
Dade County Deputies/SRO’s identified the suspect, resulting in Dade County Investigators obtaining a search warrant for the suspect’s residence. The firearm in question was recovered, and three suspects were charged as a result.
A 17 year old male was charged with Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children, and Discharging a Firearm within 50 yards of a Roadway.
While executing the search warrant, the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force was called to the scene for additional assistance, which resulted in additional drug charges against two additional occupants who are inside the residence.
An 18 year old male and 16 year old female were charged with Possession of a Schedule 1, Possession of a Schedule 2, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute.
The investigation never provided evidence that the suspect shot toward the school bus, at the school bus, or at any of the students on board the bus. However, due to the timing of the gunshots, statements made by the suspect, and the close proximity of the gunshots to the roadway, several students on the bus were very scared and understandably afraid for their safety.
The School System and Sheriff’s Office took this incident very seriously. Especially given the events that occurred in Winder, GA on the day prior. The safety and security of our students is our top priority!
This investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released when appropriate.
Not only do we have the responsibility of investigating incidents, but we also carry the responsibility of keeping the integrity of the case secure. We will never compromise the investigation, prosecution, or conviction of one of our cases by releasing information too early. However, we also believe in keeping the public as informed as we possibly can. It’s truly a delicate balance that we hope our community can understand. We would never not release information, simply because we don’t want to.
“I want to thank our SRO’s, Road Deputies, Investigators, and our School System Administrators for their assistance in quickly identifying the suspect, recovering the firearm, and making an arrest in less than 24 hours. The safety of our students and community are one of my top priorities, and we will never tolerate this type of thing in Dade County!” -Sheriff Ray Cross
Dade County School Superintendent Josh Ingle has released the statement below to the School families and staff concerning the incident.
