Two juvenile girls from Limestone County have been arrested in connection with a telephoned threat to Johnson Elementary School that triggered an evacuation of students and teachers early Tuesday, an official confirmed Wednesday.

Limestone County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephen Young, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, confirmed Wednesday afternoon two juveniles had been arrested and charged with making a terrorist threat in connection with the telephone call, which occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. Lt. Investigator Johnny Morell obtained he arrest warrants, Sheriff Mike Blakely said Thursday. 

The caller, who claimed to be with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, advised a school official to evacuate or clear the school, Young said. Although the incident was reported by media as a bomb threat, Young said the caller did not use the word “bomb.”

After the school was emptied, at least a dozen deputies searched for evidence of an explosive or any other threat.

Even though Limestone County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Sisk said at the time the threat was probably nothing more than a Halloween prank, he said he did not consider it amusing.

Young did not know the ages of the accused, where they attend school in the county or whether they were in the custody of their parents. He said he doubted they had been sent to the juvenile detention facility in Tuscumbia. Juveniles cannot be housed at the Limestone County Jail.

The sheriff said no further information is available about the accused because they are juveniles and because the investigation continues. 

Young said he believed a court hearing was held Wednesday for the girls.

Limestone County District Attorney Brian Jones could not be reached for comment late Wednesday afternoon about the charges or the hearing.