MAUMELLE, Ark. — People across the country have been on edge after last Thursday's deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
Since then, schools across the state have reported approximately six alleged threats— including two recent threats in Maumelle.
"We have to have a heightened level and sense of safety and security, and that is what we need to do to protect our students and our families," said Charles McNulty, PCSSD Superintendent.
The Maumelle Police Department explained that they had received a call regarding a threat made by a parent at Maumelle High School.
In a statement released by Maumelle police, the parent had allegedly "threatened to cause harm to staff members at the school."
In response to the threat, they said they would have an increased police presence at schools within city limits, as they conducted an investigation.
"Our number one priority is always going to be the well-being of the kids first, the faculty, whether it be a school or any business within the city of Maumelle just know that we're here," explained Shannon Giompoletti with Maumelle Police.
On Monday, Maumelle police received a tip involving a screenshot of a post on social media. While the threat was ultimately deemed as a false alarm, officials took the matter seriously.
Parents took to social media with concerns and questions— wondering whether or not to send their kids to school at all.
"I want to make sure that people know that we take everything seriously. This is the world we live in," Superintendent McNulty said.
Through the threats made in the last four days, Maumelle police say they want parents and students to know just how serious it is when alleged threats are made.
"There's never a right time for anyone to do this, whether it's following an incident that's happened or, you know, whether people just think they're having a good time," Officer Giompoletti said. "Parents need to have great conversations with their children and let them know how serious this is, and you know, this is something that can ruin their life."
According to Maumelle police officials, anyone charged with terroristic threats could face a first-degree felony charge— meaning that an alleged suspect could face five to 20 years in prison.