On Monday, August 31, 2026, the Opelika Police Department arrested 18-year-old Jacob Scott Howell of Opelika, AL, charging him with making a terrorist threat, first-degree, following an investigation into a planned violent attack against Opelika High School.
The initial report was received by Opelika Police School Resource Officers on Friday, August 28, 2026, after school had been released, indicating that Howell had developed a plan to attack the high school. School Resource Officers immediately notified Opelika City Schools leadership. Howell, who was not present at school today, has since been banned from all Opelika City Schools properties.
Through their investigation, Opelika Police Detectives established probable cause
to take Howell into custody on Monday. The department reminds all community members to remain vigilant: if you see or hear anything suspicious, report it immediately to law enforcement. This case remains under investigation by the Opelika Police Department.
If you have any information, please contact the Opelika Police Department at (334)
705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can also be submitted via the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may choose to remain anonymous.
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