MALE SUSPECT APPREHENDED AFTER CARRYING WEAPONS ON CAMPUS AT CUMBERLAND COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

CROSSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Jessie Brooks

CUMBERLAND COUNTY SCHOOLS

Director William Stepp

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

MALE SUSPECT APPREHENDED AFTER CARRYING WEAPONS ON CAMPUS AT CUMBERLAND COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Crossville, TN – On December 4, 2024, at approximately 8:33 a.m., a suspicious individual was detained on 4th Street after being on the campus of the Cumberland County High School stating he was looking for the driving school. The SRO was alerted along with local law enforcement and swiftly detained the suspicious male and alerted school officials. No lockdown was necessary due to the swift response of the SRO and other law enforcement officers.

Following the apprehension, the District Threat Task Force consisting of Crossville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Cumberland County Schools, was activated to investigate the incident further. During a search of the suspect, identified as Robert Alva Sardella, age 33, from Maryville, Tennessee, several items were discovered in a backpack on his person. The items found included a loaded handgun, taser, expandable baton, chemical weapon, additional ammunition and various other items.

Sardella has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses including, TCA 39-17-1309 Carrying weapons on school property. He is currently being held on a $55,000 bond in the Cumberland County Jail, awaiting a court date. The investigation is continuing.

District Threat Task Force commend the quick response of the SRO and the collaborative efforts of all involved in ensuring the safety of students and staff at the school. The situation was resolved without incident.

The Cumberland County School District remains committed to the safety and security of its students and staff and continues to work closely with law enforcement to ensure a secure learning environment and that every situation is thoroughly investigated.