Man accused of threatening CMS schools released from jail days before classes start

CMS students head back to the classroom on Tuesday, but Channel 9 learned the man accused of threatening to kill students at five different schools is now out of jail.

Investigators say Drew Owens laid out mass shooting plans for a few elementary, middle and high schools.

"Is he going to show up at one of the schools? It's not good," said one parent. She was so afraid that she didn't want her face shown. "I'm not going to feel at ease, I'm not going to pretend it's OK."

A year and a half ago, Owens threatened to shoot up five CMS schools: Garinger, West Charlotte, Ardrey Kell, Community House and Hawk Ridge.

He was arrested and the community was outraged by his $10,000 bond, so another judge raised it to $200,000 secured. That happened last February.

But in May another judge reduced the amount to $75,000 secured, low enough so that Owens could pay the bondsman's fee.

"In this situation it's confusing because he had a $200K bond," the parent said. "He's clearly a public safety threat, so what took the threat level down?"

Neighbors who live in the subdivision where he grew up are terrified. They claim that he threatened, intimidated and harassed them.

"It's really unnerving for some of us," said the parent. "We live in the area where he knows people and again it's not positive, it's scary."

https://x.com/mattvanswol/status/2091870889922982260 Outrage is erupting in Charlotte NC after a man who planned MASS SH00TINGS at FIVE Charlotte NC schools was JUST LET OUT OF JAIL... ...just FOUR DAYS before those schools open for the year. Read that again. His name is Drew Owens, he's 31 and he's been arrested 6 times in Charlotte NC alone. Back in February 2025, police say he sent threats to five CMS schools, Hawk Ridge Elementary, Community House Middle, Ardrey Kell and West Charlotte High, and Garinger High. Investigators say he laid out actual mass sh00ting plans for them. He was charged with five felony counts of threatening mass violence on school property. On Friday night, he posted bond and by Saturday morning, he walked out. Charlotte school kids go back to class on TUESDAY. One mom said it was her number one fear: "If he gets out, when will he get out, and will we know?" Well, he's out, and it gets worse. His OWN FATHER went to police. He said his son had been harassing family, neighbors, and friends. Sending threatening letters. Sitting outside their homes. His father even said Owens went to West Charlotte High and photographed his car, police believe to try to lure him out. His own father took out a restraining order against him. One neighbor said she is "constantly in fear for my life." WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!!!!!! WE DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

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