Two 12-year-olds arrested following separate threats at Tuscaloosa County schools

Two 12-year-old boys have been arrested on charges of making terrorist threats following separate incidents investigated at Tuscaloosa County schools, according to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

Arrest and charges

The Sheriff's Office said the two incidents occurred within the past week and are not believed to be connected.

Officials said both incidents resulted in changes to the schools' normal schedules because of the nature of the threats.

Charges and court proceedings

Investigators conducted separate investigations into the threats and determined there was probable cause to arrest both juveniles, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Both were charged with making terrorist threats. The Sheriff's Office credited school staff members and members of the public for reporting the threats.

The Sheriff's Office said it takes reports of threats seriously and will continue to pursue criminal charges when investigators determine they are warranted.

The agency also encouraged parents to talk with their children about the potential consequences of threatening comments and the fear such statements can cause in a school community.