Man accused of threatening mass shootings at Charlotte schools released from jail days before CMS goes back to class

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As students head back to class, parents are on high alert after a man accused of threatening mass shootings at five local schools was released from jail.

Drew Owens walked out of the Mecklenburg County jail on Saturday after a judge lowered his bond from $200,000 to $60,000. He’d been in jail since February 2025.

Investigators say Owens laid out plans to target Garinger, West Charlotte, Ardrey Kell, Community House, and Hawk Ridge schools.

He is currently under electronic monitoring and is strictly ordered to stay away from all school campuses.