Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to reports of a threat to Oak Hill High School through social media on Sunday, Sept. 21. Initially, detectives thought this was related to a social media post from Thursday night which resulted in a juvenile suspect being identified.  The post was very vague and no actual threat was made and was therefore deemed not viable.

 

Sunday’s threat was more specific and referenced a shooting that was to occur on Monday, Sept. 22.  Detectives began their investigation and with the assistance of the RPSO Cyber Crime Unit, which, after several hours, lead to the identification of a juvenile allegedly making  the threat.  Detectives also determined this threat was not related in any way to last week.

 

During the investigation, Sheriff Wood was in constant contact with Rapides Parish School Superintendent Jeff Powell and, out of an abundance of caution, recommended to Superintendent Powell to close the school on Monday so RPSO detectives could conduct a thorough investigation as obtaining information through social media company’s takes time.

 

Sheriff’s detectives continued their investigation into the night and were able to positively identify a juvenile suspect who created the social media post on a fake Snapchat account.  Sheriff’s detectives located the juvenile, placed them under arrest and placed them in the Renaissance Home for Youth.

 

This is still an ongoing investigation and if anyone has any further information, they are asked to contact RPSO at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

 

RPSO appreciates the Oak Hill community and the Rapides Parish School Board for their patience and assistance in this investigation.