Multiple arrests in connection with copycat threats against schools in Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Several arrests have been made in connection with copycat threats against schools in Central Texas. These threats have increased over the week following the recent deadly school shooting in Georgia.

Hays Cisd announced Friday afternoon that two more sixth-graders were arrested and charged with threatening behavior this week, bringing the total number of arrests to three.

Austin police also arrested a man who made threats at Hill Elementary School in Austin ISD. We will not name the 29-year-old suspect Austin police arrested for making a terroristic threat to Hill Elementary School in northwest Austin because, according to his affidavit, he did it to get on the news. An expert at the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University says this is very common for people who make threats.

“Perpetrators are typically obsessed with previous mass murders and the notoriety that comes with that high media exposure. That's why it's so important in situations like this that we don't mention their names and don't give them the public recognition that these individuals sometimes seek,” said Dr. Kathy Martinez-Prather.

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A neighbor at Hill Elementary tells us that didn't make sense. “Crazy. This is a good school. It's a top-rated school. You know, everyone in the neighborhood goes here. The crossing guards know everyone. That's why nobody would threaten me,” Tim Gaskin said.

In Llano ISD, the superintendent is telling parents that someone in East Texas was arrested in connection with a threat against several districts across the state on Sept. 12. We spoke with Jessica Ploman, whose son attends Llano High School. “So the day before yesterday, threats were made, and they said they were unfounded. But last night, we received a notice that more threats were made,” she said.

Llano ISD received another threat Thursday night and says it was directed at schools in Johnson City, Marble Falls, Llano and Blanco. The district says one person was arrested around midnight, but not by Llano ISD or Llano County police.

Despite the numerous arrests, Ploman remains concerned. “I want to know who was arrested, if it was a related case or if it's just one big ongoing case. I would like to know where they were from when they were arrested,” she said.

Llano ISD continues to have an increased police presence at school activities.