Shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Houston Police Department released the following statement via its Facebook page related to its response to the bullet found at Houston Schools and the shooting threats made by a student:
“Yesterday, officers from the Houston Police Department were called to the school in response to a bullet that was found in the high school building. We have no evidence that this is related to the threat that was brought to our attention immediately following that call. Officers began investigating the threat, and spoke to several students and staff. Throughout the evening, our officers and deputies from Texas County, followed leads and spoke to the source of the threat, with his parents and juvenile authorities.
“The school responded well to the threat. I want to be very clear that the safety of our kids is paramount to us. Many of us have children that attend school here. Our job is to protect them, all of them. Any threat to the school, students or staff, is taken very seriously and invested thoroughly. I would like to note that it is also our job to protect those who are accused and do what we can to avoid panic. In dealing with a juvenile, we have to ensure that the information we receive is valid. I am thankful that far more investigations of this nature are found to be false or untrue, than substantiated. We have to protect the child that made the threat as well. In most of these instances, there are signs and behavior that show that the child is having issues. I am grateful that no incident happened and that the school and my department were active in preventing anything. The parents of the child were helpful and understanding.
“There will be an increased law enforcement presence at the school today. Officers asked to come out and assist. I have spoken to Dr. Moss regarding an officer at the school more often and we are looking into ways to make that happen, to include the possibility of the addition of a school resource officer. Understand that it is our truest hope that we will never have to deal with a major incident of school violence. Our schools train, we train and we try to educate our community in the best ways to avoid them. We will continue to do our best to prevent and avoid any issues. I ask that people try to be understanding in our efforts to protect ALL involved. 801”