Spring Creek Elementary SchoolEast Ridge police are asking that community members not confront an 18-year-old man who has made threats toward "children, various public officials and the community," according to a news release.
"City officials and police felt the threats to be of such a nature that the decision was made to notify the surrounding homes and business including Spring Creek Elementary School," said Erik Hopkins, public information officer.
Russell Gearing is currently being held for observation at the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. He did not go into detail about what threats were made other than to describe them as violent.
Gearing has not acted on any of the threats.
Police are asking that anyone who encounters Gearing not to confront him and contact police at 423-622-1725.