East Texas minor arrested for Brookshire’s bomb threats

SMITH COUNTY, Texas ( KETK ) — A Smith County minor has been arrested in connection to multiple bomb threats made to East Texas Brookshire’s stores and other locations nationwide.

The Collin County Sheriff’s Office said a search warrant was conducted on June 29 where they identified a minor suspected of being responsible for the bomb threats and swatting hoaxes across multiple states.

The investigation reportedly began in May after the suspect reportedly initiated a swatting incident at a Texas home in St. Paul. The sheriff’s office said despite the suspect’s techniques to stay hidden, they were able to identify the suspect through online investigative efforts.

The suspect was also reportedly linked to bomb threats at schools in the Tyler area, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Mission ISD.

The suspect’s activities also reportedly spanned across Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The sheriff’s office said investigators identified over 100 locations targeted by the hoaxes.

“Through the diligent efforts of the involved agencies and the execution of numerous search warrants, the juvenile suspect was identified with charges pending. The suspect has been linked to bomb threats at Brookshire’s grocery stores, schools in the Tyler area, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, and Mission ISD,” the sheriff’s office said.

The investigation was assisted by the Tyler Police Department, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. The sheriff’s office said these hoaxes pose significant dangers to the public, create panic, endanger lives and divert resources from police, fire and EMS.

“This successful operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing serious threats to public safety. Swatting hoaxes and bomb threats are serious matters that potentially endanger innocent civilians. We remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for these dangerous activities,” Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner said.

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