MAGEE, Miss. (WJTV) – Magee police arrested a man who was walking near a school with a machete in hand, authorities said.

According to Magee Police Chief Denis J. Borges, the incident occurred near Magee High School on Tuesday, September 17. He said dispatch received a call about a man walking near the school with a machete.

When officers arrived at the scene, Borges said they located Willie Jones, and he was still holding the machete when officers approached him. Jones was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine and transported to the police department. 

“I want to assure you that we take any and all potential threats to our children seriously. While our investigation concluded that there was no immediate danger to the students, we will never take chances when it comes to the safety of our community. The safety of America’s future our children will always remain a top priority,” said Borges.