Siegel High School K-9 scan

Four Siegel High School students were cited for simple possession of marijuana after K-9s scanned lockers and vehicles parked outside the school Tuesday, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office reported.

In a message to parents, Principal Larry Creasy requested the scans “because I wanted to be proactive and send a clear message that we are not going to tolerate these issues at Siegel High School.

“We care about maintaining a safe learning environment for your children, and I appreciate your patience and support as we conducted this exercise,” Creasy said.

Teams of one K-9 and handler, a deputy and a school administrator scanned vehicles and lockers with probable cause.

Besides the marijuana, two pocket knives and a set of brass knuckles were found in students’ vehicles.

Students were not in contact with the K-9s.

Sheriff’s Major Bill Sharp said the School Resource Officers and K-9 teams cooperated with Rutherford County Schools, the school’s principal and staff in the scan.

“We have to work together for a safer environment,” Sharp said.