Charlotte, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Drew Owens, a 31-year-old Charlotte resident, has been arrested on multiple felony charges for allegedly sending threatening emails to four local schools. The threats prompted a thorough investigation, revealing troubling behavior including surveillance of neighborhoods. Following his arrest, Owens faces serious allegations of communicating threats of mass violence. School officials are taking necessary precautions to ensure safety amid rising concerns over violence in educational settings.
Charlotte – A 31-year-old man named Drew Owens has been arrested on multiple felony charges for allegedly threatening mass violence against four local schools. The Charlotte resident faces serious allegations stemming from threatening emails sent to school administrators at West Charlotte High School, Ardrey Kell High School, Community House Middle School, and Hawk Ridge Elementary School.
Authorities began investigating after receiving reports of these emails on February 16. In one message, the sender specifically targeted West Charlotte High School. Investigators uncovered that Owens had been engaging in suspicious behavior, including surveilling neighbors’ homes and photographing his father’s vehicle parked at West Charlotte High School. His own father identified him as the possible sender of the threatening emails, citing a history of harassing behavior.
Owens was arrested on February 19, and subsequent court documents reveal he is facing four counts of communicating threats of mass violence on educational property, with one charge for each school involved. During his first court appearance at Mecklenburg County on Thursday at 10 a.m., Owens was granted a secured bond of $5,000. His next court date is scheduled for March 11.
Officials from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District have confirmed they received the threats and have taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both students and staff. The district communicated that threats, including perceived threats, breach the Code of Student Conduct and will result in strict consequences, including the potential for arrest and prosecution.
This recent incident aligns with a troubling pattern of increasing threats against schools and individuals in the area since 2021. In another notable case, the FBI intervened regarding a fight between two students at Ardrey Kell High School, which had been accused of having racial motivations. Despite claims from the victim’s family alleging racism played a role, local police and FBI investigations did not find any evidence supporting those assertions. The altercation involved a 15-year-old girl and another student, resulting in serious injuries requiring surgical intervention.
The family of the accused student argued that their son acted in self-defense after being attacked first. Meanwhile, the girl’s family continues to advocate for changes within the school environment following the altercation. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district reiterated their commitment to an educational environment free from violence and threats of any kind.
Background Context
Over the past few years, Charlotte has experienced a rising incidence of threats directed at schools, creating a heightened atmosphere of concern among parents, educators, and law enforcement. The community now faces an urgent need to address and mitigate such threats, ensuring that educational settings remain safe and conducive to learning. The school district remains vigilant in its efforts to uphold safety standards and respond to any potential threats promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Drew Owens facing?
Drew Owens faces four felony counts of communicating threats of mass violence on educational property, one count for each school he allegedly threatened.
When was Owens arrested?
Owens was arrested on February 19, following an investigation that began when the threatening emails were reported on February 16.
What precautions has the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District taken?
The district has confirmed it received the threats and is taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.
What is the status of the ongoing violent incidents in schools?
There has been a reported increase in threats against schools and individuals in the Charlotte area since 2021.
Is there ongoing concern about racial violence in schools?
Following a separate incident at Ardrey Kell High School, where claims of racial motivation arose, investigations revealed no supporting evidence, yet concerns about safety and violence in schools remain heightened in the community.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drew Owens | 31-year-old male from Charlotte facing felony charges. |
| Charges | Four counts of threatening mass violence against schools. |
| Date of Arrest | February 19. |
| Schools Targeted | West Charlotte High School, Ardrey Kell High School, Community House Middle School, Hawk Ridge Elementary School. |
| Legal Proceedings | First court appearance on February 19; next appearance on March 11. |
| Safety Measures | Precautions taken by Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District to ensure safety. |
| Pattern of Threats | Increasing incidents reported since 2021. |
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Threats Against Charlotte Schools
- Wikipedia: School safety
- QC News: Man Charged with Threatening Schools
- Google Search: mass violence in schools
- WBTV: FBI Investigation on Hate Crime
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent crime
- WCCB: Schools Increasing Security
- Google News: Charlotte schools threats
Author: HERE Charlotte
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