Police: Man with crossbow spotted near Habersham school posed no threat to students

By: Brian Wellmeier

Photo: Habersham County School System

Law enforcement officials say a man seen carrying weapons near a Habersham County school Thursday morning never entered campus property and did not pose a threat to students or staff.

A school employee and several parents reported seeing the individual walking along Owens Circle near Habersham Ninth Grade Academy as students and faculty arrived prior to the start of the school day.

Deputies with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Habersham County Board of Education Police Department, and troopers with the Georgia State Patrol responded to the call and quickly located the man along Georgia 197 near the ramp to Georgia 365.

Officers made contact with the individual as he was walking away from the school area. Authorities said the handle of a machete was visible protruding from his backpack, and he was holding a crossbow that was later determined to be non-functioning.

According to deputies, the man – who travels exclusively on foot – said he intentionally walked along a road behind the school to avoid causing alarm and was attempting to return home.

“He did not at any time come onto the school campus,” said Murray Kogod, chief of the school system’s police department.

Officials noted that local law enforcement personnel are familiar with the man and his routine of walking in that area as his primary means of transportation.

Habersham County Sheriff Robin Krockum emphasized that there was no danger to the public at any point during the incident.

“I commend our personnel, officers from the school police department, and the Georgia State Patrol for their immediate response to ensure there was not a threat to our school community,” Krockum said.