RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) - A juvenile has been arrested in relation to threats circulating on social media towards Oak Hill High School, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
RPSO said initially, it was believed the threat circulating on September 21 was referencing a post from Thursday night. That former post had a juvenile suspect identified; RPSO said the threat was vague, with no actual threat made, and they believed it was not viable.
However, the new threat on Sunday specifically mentioned a shooting that would happen on Monday, September 22, at the school.
It was determined that a juvenile suspect created a fake Snapchat account to make the post. That juvenile has been arrested and was placed in the Renaissance Home for Youth.
Due to the investigation, Sheriff Mark Wood and Rapides Parish School Superintendent Jeff Powell closed Oak Hill out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students and staff.
On Monday morning, RPSB released the following statement regarding the closure and threat:
“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff, we made the difficult decision to close Oak Hill High School today due to a threat.
At the recommendation of Sheriff Mark Wood, the closure allowed law enforcement agencies enough time to conduct a thorough investigation and deem that the threat was nonviable.
As of this morning, the investigation in partnership with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies was concluded.
We appreciate students, staff, and parents reporting unusual or potentially unsafe situations.
We encourage parents and guardians to speak with your student about the seriousness of threatening violence against the school and other students. Whether verbal, nonverbal, or on social media, we take every report or potential threat very seriously.
We understand that this closure may cause an inconvenience for families, but the safety and security of our school community is our highest priority.
Any further questions in reference to the investigation should be directed to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. If anyone has any information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 318-473-6700 or send a tip on the RPSO app."
RPSB
If parents have information from social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok or of text messages, they were asked to immediately contact RPSO at (318) 473-6700.
As juveniles are involved in this incident, RPSO said they are only able to release limited information.
The investigation into this incident is still ongoing at this time.