Hays CISD 6th grader faces charges in connection to social media threat scare

KYLE -- The Hays County Sheriff's Office has detained a sixth grade Hays CISD student for locally contributing to the spread of social media school shooting threats. In the juvenile justice system, the student faces the equivalent to a state jail felony for making a false alarm or report, according to a Hays CISD news release. The investigation is ongoing for other students who may have been involved. Beginning in the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 11, Hays CISD authorities and law enforcement agencies were alerted to and started investigating generic and non-specific threats that were circulating on social media within the district, the release stated. While similar occurrences have been happening elsewhere across the state of Texas for several days, the district ensured that the student was detained only for contributions within Hays CISD and is "not being investigated or accused of being responsible for any of the statewide or other threats going on this week at other districts." Among the various threats circulating in Hays CISD, one surfaced that specifically named Simon Middle School, according to the district. The district alerted parents of the overnight investigation during the morning of Thursday, Sept. 12. The following email was sent:

Dear Hays CISD Family, I’m emailing to let you know that we are aware of a generic and nonspecific social media school shooting threat that is being circulated in our district today.  Law enforcement partners are investigating this threat.  We know the threat post originated outside of our area and is being reposted across multiple social media platforms. The threat doesn’t name a campus or date and is likely related to similar vague threats that were circulated in other parts of Texas and the country coinciding with yesterday’s 9/11 anniversary. We do not believe that there is any current danger to any of our campuses; however, know that we take all threats seriously and will continue to remain vigilant.  We want to thank everyone who has alerted us to this most recent social media activity.  And, we remain indebted to all of the various law enforcement agencies who continuously work to ensure our campuses are safe. Then, around 12 p.m. on Thursday, an updated email was sent districtwide. The district appreciates the incredible skill and attention provided in this investigation by the Hays County Sheriff's Office, specifically the school resource officers (SROs) and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the news release stated. “I know this type of social media activity is alarming and frustrating for you – our parents and students,” said Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy in an email to parents. “It’s equally that way for law enforcement, school administrators and everyone who is disrupted and distressed because of these posts. Despite the fact these types of posts are sadly far too common, know that we never tire in our efforts to maintain safety and that we continue to take each and every threat seriously.” School threats or suspicious activity should be reported to to iWatch Texas or by calling 9-1-1. The Hays Free Press will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.