Suspect identified for YISD threats

The individual responsible for the threats to Yoakum High School that sent YISD campuses into lockdown Monday and Tuesday appears to have used an app that masked their location and identity, according to Yoakum ISD officials.

Yoakum Superintendent Tom Kelley explained Wednesday afternoon that special agents communicated extensively with the caller and are confident they are not in the Yoakum area. 

YPD and YISD officials expressed confidence that no present threat faces local campuses or students, stating there is “no possible way for the suspect to be in our immediate area.” 

“There are three special agents that have worked with FBI officials. Our briefing with them gave us the confidence that this person is not in this immediate area. They feel very confident because they have been communicating with this person,” Kelley said.

While a suspect had been identified, Kelley said no further information could be released at this time due to the active status of the investigation.

Kelley cited diligent efforts from the special agents and the presence of law enforcement officers on campus as primary reasons that the district was able to continue class without incident Aug. 31. 

“It has been a challenge for the authorities to track the suspect's location due to an app they have on their phone that can disguise their location and identifying information,” said Kelley. “They're very intelligent from an IT standpoint.“

According to a YISD release, agencies and offices assisting with the threats include the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Yoakum Police Department, DPS Highway Patrol and Special Agents, Criminal Investigation Division, and Lavaca County Emergency Management.

“School will continue as normal moving forward, and all extracurricular activities will be held as scheduled,” stated an Aug. 31 press release. “Our students’ safety continues to be our highest priority.  We appreciate your patience, kindness, and support throughout this situation.”