CMS issues statement to parents after man who threatened school shootings released
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders are working with school law enforcement to keep students and staff safe after a 33-year-old man who threatened to “shoot up” multiple schools last year was released on bond Friday, a statement said. The new school year began Tuesday.
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“The individual has been banned from all CMS property, and any violation of the ban will result in immediate law enforcement action,” the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools statement said. “Additionally, the safety procedures and security measures in place at our schools will continue to be actively followed every day.”
Drew Andres Owens, who was charged with five counts of communicating mass threats of violence in Feb. 2025, was released from jail on Aug. 21 after posting a $75,000 bond, according to court records.
Owens was accused of sending a letter to Garinger High School threatening to “shoot up” the school, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police affidavit said.
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The letter said the shoot would “put all the black people in their place,” and that the shooter “wants to kill all blacks,” the affidavit stated. Investigators said it was determined Owens mailed four other letters to schools, including Hawk Ridge Elementary School, Community House Middle School, Ardrey Kell High School and West Charlotte High School.
Owens threatened to kill staff and students at each school, as well as his father, Darryl Owens, who worked at West Charlotte High School.
Owens was first given a $10,000 bond, according to a motion to revoke bond filed by prosecutors. A judge raised Owens’ bond to $200,000. It’s not clear why Owens’ bond was lowered to $60,000.
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A jury trial scheduled for Dec. 24, was canceled, according to court records.
