Austin ISD police to boost patrols at elementary school after reported threat, letter says

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Independent School District Police will increase patrols at Hill Elementary School Friday “for peace of mind” after a reported threat to the campus, according to a letter from school Principal Jack Drummond.

The letter said Austin Police arrested a person Thursday in connection with the threat toward Hill Elementary, located in west Austin.

In an arrest affidavit obtained by KXAN, a family member called APD saying they were worried about their 29-year-old family member who was talking about targeting Hill Elementary.

When police arrived, the man, who suffers from a mental illness, told officers he had plans he wanted to show them about the shooting. Investigators said in the affidavit the man didn’t have any weapons that could have carried out the threat.

He is facing a terroristic threat charge, which is a third degree felony.

As of Thursday afternoon, he was still in policy custody. This is not related to other social media threats KXAN reported on this week.

“We have been assured that there is no existing threat to our school,” Drummond said in the letter.

The school said it was notified of the threat Thursday evening and is working with APD and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

“Austin ISD takes all threats seriously. Threats of any kind against our school, students or staff are not tolerated. Report all suspicious activity to our Austin ISD Police at 512-414-1703,” the letter said.

A morning coffee meeting for families is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16, and will include a discussion on campus safety protocols, the letter said.

Several Central Texas school districts said they responded to vague school threats this week, leading to some arrests and increased patrols on campuses.

Hays Consolidated Independent School District said a 6th grader was detained Thursday in connection with a threat. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to KXAN that it charged a minor with felony false report.

Marble Falls ISD increased patrols on some of its campuses, following reported threats.

Llano ISD said Thursday a person was in custody after making threats on social media.

Sam Stark and Cora Neas contributed to this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.