Candler County deputies, Georgia State Patrol SWAT arrest suspect in social media threat investigation

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Candler County Sheriff’s Office deputies and SWAT Team members teamed up with the Georgia State Patrol SWAT Team and regional law enforcement partners Friday morning to arrest a suspect connected to a series of social media threats.

The operation came after a multiple-day investigation into alleged threats posted on social media. Law enforcement said the threats referenced mass shootings, school shootings, explosive devices and terroristic threats.

Suspect taken into custody without incident

The Georgia State Patrol SWAT Team took the lead as the primary tactical team on the ground. Deputies located the suspect at a home south of Metter and took the suspect into custody without incident. No law enforcement personnel or members of the public were injured.

No explosive devices found

Despite the nature of the threats, investigators said they did not find any explosive devices or materials used to make them during the search.

Agencies involved

The operation required coordination across multiple agencies. Assisting teams included the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office EOD K-9 Team, Georgia Southern University Police Department EOD K-9 Team and Candler County EMS.

Officials said there is no known ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active, and authorities said they will release additional updates as the case allows.