Opelika police arrest 18-year-old in investigation into planned attack on Opelika High School
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- 18-year-old Jacob Scott Howell arrested Monday for alleged planned attack on Opelika High School, charged with making terrorist threat.
- Investigation began after Friday report; suspect banned from schools; police urge community vigilance and to report suspicious activity.
The Opelika Police Department has arrested an 18-year-old Opelika teen following an investigation into an alleged planned violent attack against Opelika High School.
According to police, Jacob Scott Howell, 18, of Opelika, was arrested Monday, August 31, 2026, and charged with Making a Terrorist Threat, First Degree.
The investigation began Friday, August 28, after Opelika Police School Resource Officers received a report following the release of students from school indicating that Howell had allegedly developed a plan to attack Opelika High School.
School Resource Officers immediately notified Opelika City Schools leadership.
Police said Howell was not present at school Monday and has since been banned from all Opelika City Schools properties.
Opelika Police detectives continued investigating the report and established probable cause to take Howell into custody Monday.
The Opelika Police Department emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged community members to remain vigilant.
Police are asking anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious to report it immediately to law enforcement.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department at (334) 705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police Department’s mobile app, and anonymous tips may be provided.
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