Arrest Made in Marion County School Threat

This morning (July 25, 2024), at approximately 7:20am, 76 year-old Timothy Ward of Foxworth, MS. entered the West Marion Primary School as staff were entering. Staff immediately recognized that Ward did not belong and attempted to escort him back outside. Ward brandished a firearm and held two staff members against there will. Ward was approached by another staff member, who he pointed the firearm at. 

A call to 911 was made at approximately 7:24 am. As Law enforcement were responding, another staff member approached Ward from behind taking him to the ground. This staff member held Ward down until 7:27 am, when Marion County School District Police arrived and placed Ward in custody. Additional Law Enforcement arrived and cleared the school of any additional threats. The firearm was found to be a CO2 style air pistol. 

Ward is being housed at the Marion County Jail charged with the Terroristic Threat Law and 2 counts of Kidnapping. 

Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall would first like to acknowledge the brave staff member who selflessly put himself in harms way to protect everyone at the school. 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Marion County School District Police, Columbia Police Department, Marion County Constables District 1 & 2, the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the State Auditors Office. 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Department of Homeland Security are continuing to investigate this incident.