17-year-old Arrested After Alleged Threat Against South Texas ISD World Scholars

Staff Report

EDINBURG TX — Police arrested a 17-year-old from San Juan who is not a student at South Texas ISD World Scholars after he allegedly made a threat against the school. Authorities began investigating the incident after the threat, made on Jan. 18, was reported on Jan. 20.

Juan Gonzalez was accused of commenting about “shooting up the school.” Edinburg police interviewed Gonzalez at his home with his mother present before he voluntarily visited the department to provide a statement. According to police, Gonzalez admitted to making the remark but described it as a joke.

Gonzalez was arrested following the interview and charged with terroristic threat, a third-degree felony.

“The Edinburg Police Department takes all school threats seriously,” Police Chief Jaime Ayala said in a statement. “Our priority is the safety and security of students, staff, and our community. Threats of any kind, whether perceived as a joke or not, will be met with thorough investigation and appropriate legal action.”

Source — Edinburg Police Department