CMS leadership says it’s on high alert after man who threatened to shoot up schools is released from jail

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leadership is on high alert after a man accused of plotting mass shootings at five local schools was released from jail.

Drew Owens walked out of the Mecklenburg County jail on Saturday. He had been detained since February 2025 after allegedly making threats against Garinger, West Charlotte, Ardrey Kell, Community House, and Hawk Ridge schools. He is under electronic monitoring.

In statement, the district says Owens is banned from all district property and any violation of the ban will result in immediate law enforcement action.