• The Cyberspace Chase

1. One suspect is in custody on one count of terrorism and three counts of arson following cancellation of classes at MTSU. University Police Director Buddy Peaster says 19-year-old freshman Justin Jay Davis, who was enrolled in the pre-professional dental hygiene program, was arrested at about five p.m. Thursday. Earlier in the day, Peaster told reporters said a threatening non-specific email had been sent to several individuals on campus.

Peaster1.mp3 :18 OC: "university as a whole";

However, Peaster said the electronic message threatened "large-scale devastation or destruction"; if classes were not cancelled. In addition, small fires that caused minimal damage aroused police suspicion. Peaster said investigators have yet to determine a motive. Although officials believe at this time that Davis acted alone, several local and state law enforcement agencies are continuing the probe. Classes are slated to resume on Wednesday, October 15.

2. A 19-year-old MTSU freshman is jailed on 500-thousand-dollars bail following an investigation into cyberspace threats on campus. Justin Jay Davis, a student in the school's pre-professional dental hygiene program, faces one count of terrorism and three counts of arson in connection with small suspicious fires and emails that promised what University Police Director Buddy Peaster called "large-scale devastation or destruction"; if classes were not cancelled. At a news conference prior to Thursday's arrest, Peaster was asked why the threat was not sufficient to send the university's employees home.

Peaster2.mp3 :17 OC: "home as well";

Faculty and staff remained on campus and offices remained open Thursday as multiple local and state law enforcement agencies worked on the case and security was augmented. Investigators have yet to determine a motive.

3. Justin Jay Davis, a 19-year-old MTSU freshman, is charged with one count of terrorism and three counts of arson in connection with a series of incidents at MTSU. University officials cancelled classes for Thursday afternoon and Friday after several individuals on campus received threatening emails. Reports of small fires on campus also heightened university officials' concerns. University Police Director Buddy Peaster says classes were cancelled for Thursday afternoon and Friday, but the campus was not evacuated.

Peaster3.mp3 :19 OC: "very disturbing to them";

Peaster says the email promised "large-scale devastation or destruction"; if classes were not cancelled. Local and state law enforcement agencies were brought in to help with the investigation. Davis had been brought to the police department intially as a possible witness. He is being held in the Rutherford County jail on 500-thousand-dollars bail.