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Two juveniles facing terrorizing charges for threatening shootings at two Lafayette Parish schools

Lafayette Sheriff’s Office
Posted at 11:15 AM, Aug 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-23 20:07:14-04

Two juveniles are facing terrorizing charges after making threats overnight to two Lafayette Parish schools.

The Sheriff's Office says that deputies first learned of the threats during a 911 call on Thursday night from a concerned parent.

During that call, deputies learned that an unknown male had contacted the daughter of the caller to warn her not to attend school on Friday because there would be a shooting. According to deputies, text messages from that individual also indicated that he was in possession of a firearm.

The threats were directed at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy and Edgar Martin Middle School.

Investigators took immediate action and were able to uncover the source of the threats.

Those two juveniles have been charged with Terrorizing (La.R.S. 14:40.1). The sheriff's office says the two are no longer in custody.

Because this investigation involves juveniles, the sheriff's office says that no additional information can be provided.

“The safety of our students is the top priority. We take school threats very seriously, and will take every necessary measure to ensure the security of students and faculty in Lafayette Parish is not compromised,” said Sheriff Mark Garber.

David Thibodaux STEM Principal Jeffery Debetaz issued an email on Friday morning alerting parents to the arrests made in connection to the threats.

After careful consideration, Debetaz said it was decided that classes would go on as scheduled at David Thibodaux on Friday.

Read more on that: Students arrested for threats to David Thibodaux STEM