AUGUSTA, Ga. – An 18-year-old has been arrested in Richmond County on a felony charge of False Public Alarm after allegedly making multiple false reports about active shooter situations at local schools, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Christopher Javiere Cabarrus was taken into custody on Thursday, March 27, 2025, following a series of 911 calls over the course of three days. The sheriff’s office claims Cabarrus made the false reports between March 24 and March 27, prompting law enforcement to respond to high schools in the area.

According to authorities, Cabarrus initially called 911 on March 24 at approximately 6:50 a.m., falsely reporting an active shooter at Josey High School. Two days later, on March 26, at around 11:58 a.m., he made a similar false report, again about an active shooter at the same school. On March 27, Cabarrus allegedly called 911 once more, this time claiming there was an active shooter at Laney High School at 6:04 a.m.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly to all of these calls, but after thorough investigations, it was determined that the reports were false. In addition to the wasted law enforcement resources, the false calls caused unnecessary fear and disruption for both the schools involved and the local community.

Cabarrus was arrested and booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. He now faces serious charges that could result in significant legal consequences. The sheriff’s office has urged the public to be vigilant against the dangers of false reports, which can severely disrupt public safety efforts and divert resources from real emergencies.

Authorities have not yet indicated whether Cabarrus had any motive for making the false reports. The investigation into the incidents is ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case develops.

False public alarm charges carry serious penalties, and law enforcement officials are expected to continue to crack down on such offenses in order to maintain public safety and ensure that emergency resources are used appropriately.