An 18-year-old Crothersville High School student was arrested last Wednesday on felony intimidation charges following threats made towards the school.
Around 9:30 a.m. Sept. 18, Crothersville Police Officers were notified by school officials that a student, James S. Collman, 18, of Crothersville had made comments to other students that he would cause harm to them and to the school. A Crothersville Officer quickly arrived at the school detained Collman.
Due to the nature of the threats, the Crothersville Police Department requested assistance from additional law enforcement agencies in evacuating the Crothersville School Building. Officers from multiple agencies, including the Indiana 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 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.
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 located 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 at 2:55 p.m. Additional charges are possible. Collman will remain held until an initial court appearance in the Jackson County Circuit Court.