MERKEL, Texas — The Merkel Police Department and the Merkel Independent School District are investigating an alleged threat made against Merkel High School and a 16-year-old student.
On the evening of April 26, Merkel Police said a concerned parent called 9-1-1 regarding a direct threat to her 16-year-old daughter and Merkel High School, via Instagram. The parent's call immediately prompted an investigation into a terroristic threat.
According to police, that initially law enforcement was not able to find the student in question, a 16-year-old male student. The suspect was eventually found April 27 at his residence with the assistance of the Tye Police Department.
Investigators with both Tye and Merkel police departments were able to interview the subject and review the information received. It was determined that there was sufficient evidence that a threat was made.
According to the release from MPD, the threat specifically targeted the female student and the MISD high school campus indicating that the student “if I had the ability”, would shoot the student and others at the school. Parents of all directly-involved parties were notified and have been extremely cooperative with investigators, according to MPD.
It has been determined that the male student does not have access to firearms, nor has the student had any experience handling firearms. He is being evaluated and receiving necessary counseling. The case will be forwarded to the Taylor County District Attorney's Juvenile Prosecutor's Office, for further review.
The investigation is on-going, according to police. Because of the confidential nature of juvenile records, the status of the student in regard to the school district will remain confidential. However, the department said the student is not on any MISD campus and there is no active or immediate threat to the campus or any student.
The Merkel and Tye police departments work very closely with the Merkel Independent School District and share the same care and concern for the safety and well-being of all students within our district and communities, the release said. The MPD said safety is its first priority when it comes to the students.
The Merkel Independent School District released the following statement regarding the incident:
"Friday evening, Merkel Police notified MISD administrators that there had been an alleged threat made against the high school, and specifically a particular student at the high school. The threat was allegedly made via a social media site. The individual was taken into custody, interviewed, and released to the student’s guardian. The District is cooperating with authorities, as the investigation continues.
There is no immediate threat to any campus or any individuals at this time. However, as this is an on-going investigation, no further details can be made available.
As I have said many times, the safety and security of our children is the highest priority for every employee of MISD. Please remember that the parties involved are children, and by law are afforded the protection of confidentiality."
