2 In Custody Following Madison School Lockdown

2 arrested for threat to Madison Schools

For Immediate Release - March 7, 2023

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Madison Consolidated Schools was notified by Madison City Police Chief John Wallace that a suspect had been identified as an update to this morning’s incident.

“As a result of the diligent work of all responders involved today, we were able to identify a suspect quickly,” shared Chief John Wallace. “Detective Cutshaw was able to move this investigation along quickly with the help of detailed statements, cooperative students and staff, and a partnership between law enforcement agencies that allowed us to utilize all available resources. I would like to recognize the efforts of the Indiana State Police in today’s investigation for helping to turn around the information as it developed to bring a quick resolution.”

The investigation led officers to question a 15-year-old minor from Austin, IN, and another individual who was involved. Officers were able to determine that the 15-year-old was the individual responsible for the call and charges are imminent against both parties.

“The response to this morning’s situation was one of priority and cooperation,” Wallace continued. “Our children need to feel safe while at school and we will do everything we can to assist whenever we are needed. The quick actions of school staff to report the situation, Central Dispatch, law enforcement, the cooperation and excellent behavior of students as we worked the situation, and the school's implementation of their safety plan all made a very stressful situation better.”

“Safety is always our first priority and we follow our safety plans,” shared Dr. Teresa Brown, Superintendent. “SRO & Safety Coordinator, Officer Jacob McVey, did an outstanding job today of leading our staff through following our safety protocols. We appreciate the efforts of all staff members as we worked through our day to keep students safe and communicate with families. To our parents, we appreciate your patience and support. We understand there is nothing scarier than a situation that places your child in potential danger. We appreciate the trust that you place in us, as well as, the space you gave our law enforcement partners so they could do their work efficiently and effectively.”

“These situations are not taken lightly and we do not consider them a joke,” Brown continued. “We will take all threats to safety on our campuses seriously and will work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

School will resume on a normal schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Madison City Police, Jefferson County Sheriff, Jefferson County Central Dispatch, Indiana State Police, Indiana Conservation Department, and Madison Fire Departments all worked together today to ensure student safety.

We will continue to prioritize our student's safety and appreciate our community’s support. “We appreciate our partnership with all of our local law enforcement agencies and the work they do to support our school district,” Brown continued. “We could not have navigated the situation today without their support and guidance.”