SHENANDOAH JUNCTION, W.Va. — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious individual walking in the proximity of both a high school and lower grade schools in Jefferson County on Wednesday, prompting T.A. Lowery Elementary, North Jefferson Elementary, Wildwood Middle School and Jefferson High Schools to go on secure status.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Steven Holz tells The Panhandle News Network the tip from the caller was well-intended, as the individual appeared to be wearing an ammunition belt.
When deputies caught up with the subject, Holz says he showed them the item was in fact a weight belt. The subject explained he is preparing to enter the military and his recruiter encouraged him to walk with weights to prepare.
Lt. Holz says there was no threat. He says social media accounts and texts among individuals spread information that was not accurate.
Still, he says the Sheriff’s Office appreciates tips from the public.
“It is better to be safe than sorry,” he says, adding the Sheriff’s office takes such information “very seriously.”
