DPS debriefs YISD threats

  • Sergeant Randy Kaiser detailed law enforcement’s response to the YISD threats during the Sept. 12 School Board meeting. Photo by Hans Lammeman.
    Sergeant Randy Kaiser detailed law enforcement’s response to the YISD threats during the Sept. 12 School Board meeting. Photo by Hans Lammeman.

    Parents and community members received a debrief from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) agents who worked with local and federal law enforcement to locate the source of threats to Yoakum High School in late August during the Sept. 12 Yoakum ISD School Board meeting.

     

    YISD Superintendent Tom Kelley introduced Sergeant Randy Kaiser, who detailed law enforcement’s response to the threats and provided answers to the community through a brief Q&A with meeting attendees. 

     

    “This whole incident was started on social media,” said Kaiser. “There was a connection to our community via social media through Snapchat. This person that made the threat to the school, we (found) with some research.”

     

    Despite the caller using a VOIP number to mask their location and identity, Kaiser said DPS made contact with the suspect within days of the first threat Aug. 29. 

     

    “In this instance, there was some trouble tracking that number. We were diligent with social media and were able to track this person,” said Kaiser. “This person was a minor out of Canada. It seems far-fetched; why would someone in Canada target Yoakum, Texas? That goes back to someone in the community via Snapchat.”

     

    The agents said they planned to pursue charges and discussed complications that arise through international law. 

     

    “We knew exactly who it was; we made contact with that person. It should stop at this point. We can’t guarantee it; we don’t know when the next person might call the school or your house – for that matter – and make some threats like this,” Kaiser said.”Just know that the Yoakum Police Department (YPD) was jumping on this very rapidly; we worked with the school, and we made a lot of progress very quickly on this threat.”

     

    Kelley confirmed YISD had worked with YPD and DPS to update their threat response plan. The officers said August’s incidents were part of a rising crime trend concerning anonymous threats to schools, communities, fire departments, etc. 

     

     “We absolutely want to pursue charges, and we want to be updated too,” said Kelley. “She created a tremendous amount of chaos for parents and the whole community. We’re not happy about this situation, and it’s not taken lightly.”