GPD: School threats lead to detention of juvenile

A juvenile student who posted “threatening comments on social media” and “made additional threats to students at school” was taken into custody Monday, Sept. 19 by Granbury Police officers, according to a news release from GPD Deputy Chief Cliff Andrews.

Andrews stated in his email to the Hood County News that GPD officers “responded to a report of a gun threat at Granbury Middle School.”

Andrews noted that school staff members notified GPD of the situation.

Andrews continued, “During the investigation, officers learned that statements were made by a student that caused concern amongst other students and staff. The students reported the threats to staff and GPD was contacted. The statements consisted of threats of bringing a gun to school and naming of specific victims. After investigation, the juvenile was taken into custody by officers and detained at the local juvenile detention facility. The juvenile was charged with Terroristic Threat which is a misdemeanor.”

Andrews stated that the name of the juvenile will not be released at this time. 

In response to an information request from the Hood County News, Granbury Middle School Principal Andy Smith provided a news release concerning the entry on the list of emergency dispatch calls received at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19. The entry was under the heading “Terroristic threat” in connection with the address of Granbury Middle School, at 2000 Crossland Road in Granbury.

Here is part of the GISD letter to parents from GMS Principal Andy Smith:

“On Monday, September 19, it was reported that a GMS student posted a violent threat on a personal Instagram account over the weekend. GMS administration immediately began an investigation including notification of law enforcement. The student has been removed from the campus pending the outcome of the investigation. Due to laws protecting privacy rights of students, and to preserve the integrity of the investigation, I am limited in the information I may disclose. The threat assessment indicates there is no threat at this time.”

That statement added, “Please encourage your student to notify you and school personnel should they hear or see any threatening behavior including posts on social media or otherwise. We commit to open communication with GMS families should any additional information need to be shared regarding this threat. We welcome any questions or concerns from GMS families regarding the safety and security of our students.”