‘There will be headlines’ | Threat forces hard lockdown at First Baptist Academy in Powell

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A threat caused First Baptist Academy in Powell to go on hard lockdown on Monday afternoon. The staff quickly followed the protocol for these types of situations, according to Knox County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kimberly Glenn.

The threats were reportedly made by Joshua Zachery Stephens, who allegedly told First Baptist employees “My 3 tours in war doesn’t exclude domestic terrorism, you are sadly mistaken. You better take care of this before I do. This isn’t a kindly reminder. If not, there will be headlines in the news. You better fix this or I will rip that school apart. Better fix it before I do.”

Stephens also told employees over the phone that he could see multiple employees and said he was “comfortable shooting from 300 yards away,” an incident report said.

KCSO patrol units, detectives and chiefs all responded to the incident.

Sheriff Tom Spangler thanked school officials for their help and cooperation throughout the afternoon.

Stephens was arrested and charged with harassment. This is an active investigation.

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