MT. AIRY, Ga. – A man seen carrying a non-functioning crossbow near the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy on Thursday morning was simply passing through the area.
A school employee and parents reported seeing the man on Owens Circle as students and staff arrived in the morning.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Habersham County Board of Education Police Department officers, and the Georgia State Patrol mounted a swift joint response. They worked together to safely contact the man on GA 197 near the GA 365 ramp.
When the officers found the man, he was walking away from the schools. He held a non-functioning crossbow and had the handle of a machete sticking out of his backpack.
The man, who travels exclusively on foot, told deputies he walked along the road behind the school to avoid creating a panic. He was simply heading home and had no ill intent toward the school or community.
“He did not at any time come onto the school campus,” Habersham County Board of Education Police Chief Murray Kogod said.
Law enforcement personnel know the man and confirm he regularly walks in that area for transportation.
Habersham County Sheriff Robin Krockum and Chief Kogod stressed that students, staff, and parents were never in danger. The successful resolution highlighted the great teamwork and joint efforts of all responding agencies to secure the area.
“I commend our personnel, officers from the school police department, and the Georgia State Patrol for their immediate response to ensure there was not a threat to our school community,” Krockum said.
