LOCKHART, Texas — The Lockhart Police Department on Monday morning arrested a 16-year-old male student in connection with a threat written in a girls' bathroom at Lockhart High School.
On Tuesday, Lockhart ISD said the campus contacted the Lockhart Police Department to turn over three more female juvenile suspects – a 16-year-old and two 15-year-olds – in connection with the threat. They will face the maximum consequences within the school district's authority, Lockhart ISD said. The students have also been arrested.
Images of the threat circulated on social media over the weekend. The images showed a written threat, which the district confirmed on Sunday evening that it was investigating, stating, "I'm going to shoot up the school in the morning on Monday."
According to the City of Lockhart, all four teenagers could face felony terroristic threat charges. Their names are not being released due to their age.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, the Lockhart Police Department and Lockhart ISD learned additional details surrounding the threat, which led to these arrests,” Lockhart Police Chief Ernest Pedraza said. “This threat against the school caused significant community distress and is not a matter to be taken lightly.”
Due to the nature of the threat, the Lockhart Police Department and the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office increased their presence on and around Lockhart ISD campuses on Monday.
"The Lockhart Police Department takes these threats very seriously," said Pedraza. "The safety and security of our students are paramount, not only to us, but the rest of our community. We spared no time, nor manpower, to ensure classes at Lockhart ISD continued without incident. If you are looking to threaten any of our schools, be prepared to face the consequences."
Investigators do not believe there are other persons of interest.
The following letter was released to Lockhart High School families on Sunday evening:
Dear Lockhart High School,
The LHS campus administration is aware of a threat written on a girls' bathroom wall on the campus. While we do not believe there is any immediate danger, out of an abundance of caution, all three of Lockhart ISD’s school resources officers will be at Lockhart High School tomorrow all day.
Additionally, there will be an increase in law enforcement monitoring of the campus. District administration will also be on campus to monitor the situation.
We are grateful to the individual who brought this matter to our attention. I want to encourage parents to review with your children that if they see or hear something that is not safe, let an adult know as soon as possible. We are grateful to the school resource officer and Lockhart Police Department for their continued support in keeping our Lions and our staff safe.
Also, if you ever have a concern and wish to alert the administration about it, you can go to www.lockhartisd.org and submit via “Alert LISD.” You can also reach out to me at Barry.Bacom@lockhart.txed.net or via cell at 512-787-6023.
Thank you,
Barry Bacom
Principal
Lockhart High School
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