Mexico authorities identify source of school threat
MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)
Police in Mexico have identified the source of a threat that led to all district schools being shut down Friday.
Police detained a juvenile who is suspected of being the source of the threats, but has since been released from police custody, the Mexico Department of Public Safety said Friday morning.
A person who answered the phone at the Audrain County Juvenile Office hung up on an ABC 17 News reporter.
Mexico Public Schools said on Thursday night that a threat was made against the middle school and high school. School was canceled Friday as a precaution.
A parent of the district shared with ABC 17 News that a Snapchat message that threatened shootings at the middle and high schools.
Students won't return to class until Tuesday because Monday is a teacher-development day.
"When school resumes on Tuesday, November 1st, we are confident that this matter has been dealt with and our students and staff can return to school knowing that," the district wrote in a Facebook message. "Again, our top priority is the safety of our students and staff, and we appreciate the hard work Public Safety put in last night to bring this to a resolution."
The school district develops and practices emergency drills with its students throughout the year to prepare them for an incident like this one.
According to the school's policy manual, drills are coordinated with other agencies like the fire department, law enforcement and emergency medical sources.
If a student decides to bring a weapon to school, they will be suspended for no less than one year or they could be permanently expelled, according to the board policy.
The district also uses surveillance equipment on district property and in district facilities for security purposes. Each building administrator develops a safety program and coordinate reports with the district's safety coordinator.
