Last week, a man was arrested after the Walthall County Sheriff’s Office was notified in reference to a bomb threat at Dexter Attendance Center.

Law enforcement and first responders immediately responded to the school and assessed for any possibility of a threat. An explosives K9 with the State Fire Marshal also responded to the scene and assisted the Sheriff’s Office in clearing any potential active threat.

The Walthall County Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from the Office of Homeland Security, began an investigation into the threat, and quickly identified a suspect, Joshua Allen Dawson of Marrero, LA. Dawson, who was also the suspect in a similar March threat against Dexter Attendance Center, was arrested by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Dawson waived extradition and was transported to the Walthall County Jail, where he is charged with two counts of Making of Terroristic Threats.

“Our children, and safety in our schools and community is our number one priority. I would like to commend the faculty and staff at Dexter Attendance Center for their rapid response to the threat, their diligence in following the proper protocol, and their unwavering dedication in keeping our children safe,” said Sheriff Kyle Breland. “I would also like to thank all of the agencies and personnel that responded to this incident and assisted in our investigation. Your help and support in keeping Walthall County safe is appreciated more than you know.”