Sheriff’s Office updates investigation into threats made to Orangefield ISD campuses

Orange County Sheriff’s Office officials said authorities first received a call from the Orangefield Independent School District at 1:03 p.m. Monday.

The call was in reference to threats.

“An anonymous caller placed calls to multiple campuses, indicating their intent to harm students and faculty,” a release from the Sheriff’s Office stated.

OCSO officials, along with multiple other law enforcement agencies, responded to the Orangefield campuses.

“The preliminary investigation revealed the threat was not credible,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Out of an abundance of caution, a heavy law enforcement presence saturated the campuses while students were released to go home due to an incoming severe weather condition.”

Sheriff’s Office officials stressed this is an active investigation and the criminal investigation division is investigating all possible leads and pursuing charges against the person or persons responsible.

The response led to an increased law enforcement presence at Orangefield Independent School District schools on Tuesday.

Superintendent Dr. Shaun McAlpin did not elaborate on the threat but said it impacted all three campuses, as they are in close proximity.

Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. said via social media he is thankful for every member of local law enforcement, first responders, dispatchers and state troopers for the way the situation was handled.

He also offered thanks to teachers, staff and administrators at OISD for providing a safe space for students.

The potential threat at OISD schools was deemed not credible early Monday afternoon, per law enforcement.

Vidor Police Chief Rod Carroll said authorities received a call for mutual assistance regarding a possible active shooter at Orangefield schools, at which time VPD offered assistance.

The threats impacted OISD and all of the schools were placed on lockdown just after 1 p.m. Monday.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office and VPD checked the schools and nothing credible was found.

School district leaders announced at 11:30 a.m. that schools would be released early due to the threat of inclement weather.

Release times were staggered in order to have the older siblings at home when the younger siblings were released, according to the district.

— Reporter Mary Meaux contributed to this report.

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