The Sour Lake Police Department has arrested suspects in relation to threats to Hardin-Jefferson Independent School District that caused the schools to close their campuses on Monday.
“The source of the threat has been identified, and there are suspects in custody,” a statement posted to social media said. “We are confident that it is safe to return to school tomorrow.”
More details on the suspects were not provided at the time of publication.
Hardin-Jefferson was one of two districts to close Monday as a result of unrelated threats made on social media. The other district, Evadale, will also return to school on Tuesday.
“We are well aware of the impact from violence that takes place on school grounds due to the numerous school tragedies across our country,” Evadale Superintendent Gary Fairchild said in a statement. “We must take this time to review our own school safety procedures and plans to ensure that safety of our students and staff.”
The Evadale threat, which is being investigated by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, was found to be based on a false social media post, district officials say.
“There was an incident from last week which is protected by Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), that the district is not at will to disclose to the community due to student privacy and was handled according to board policy,” Fairchild said. “The threat has been removed.”
isaac.windes@hearstnp.com