Thursday, September 12, 2024–8:30 a.m.
-WZQZ Radio-
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate an incident in which a LaFayette Police Officer accidentally shot himself inside Trion School while responding to a threat Wednesday.
The officer, who received non-life-threatening injuries, was treated on the scene and then taken to the hospital.
He is expected to recover fully.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
Lafayette Police had responded to the school to offer assistance at the request of Trion Police Chief David Gilliland following a threat of a possible firearm.
According to Trion School Superintendent Phil Williams:
On Saturday, September 7th, Trion City School officials were notified that a threat had been made towards Trion High School by a student from another school.
A picture was posted on social media of a person holding a rifle with the caption “Who next” and was attached to the picture. A GPS pin had been dropped at the location of Trion High School that was included in the social media post.
Law enforcement officials were contacted and the juvenile was arrested and remains detained. On Monday morning, September 9th, Trion City Schools added law enforcement officials to the campus and operated under a “soft lockdown” as a precautionary measure. There was no immediate threat, but safety protocols were followed.
On Tuesday night, September 10th, Trion City Schools received another social media threat by a Trion Middle School student. The juvenile was arrested Tuesday night and has been detained. Because of the arrest, there was no immediate threat or danger. On Wednesday morning, September 11th, additional law enforcement officials were on campus as a precautionary measure.
On Wednesday morning, September 11th at approximately 9 am., law enforcement and school officials received information that someone may have a gun at Trion High School. A picture of someone holding a rifle (same picture that was used with the threat on Saturday), was sent by a student from another school system to a Trion High School student. Trion City Schools immediately went to a “hard lockdown” while the threat was being investigated. All lockers, vehicles, bookbags, etc. were searched by law enforcement and school officials. No weapon was discovered during the search and investigation.
During the “hard lockdown”, law enforcement officials were securing each hallway in the elementary, middle, and high school. A law enforcement officer accidentally discharged his weapon, and shot himself in the foot, while scanning the 2nd and 3rd grade hallway.
The officer was transported to receive medical attention. All students and teachers were in their classrooms, and were not in danger. The gunshot was heard by students and staff on the 2nd and 3rd grade hallway.
School safety is the number one priority at Trion City Schools,” Williams said. “We will continue to take all threats seriously, and we will follow our school safety protocols to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”