Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Louis Voiron Jr. reported several school threats have been investigated, and at this time, none have found to be credible. Detectives began investigating threats Tuesday evening, and the investigations continued into Wednesday.
On the evening of Tuesday, January 15, rumors began swirling on social media about a possible threat of a shooting at Bayou Blue Middle School. Through investigation, detectives found that a student had reportedly made a drawing that included an object which could have been perceived as a gun. Ultimately, the report was investigated, and no credible threat was found. Out of an abundance of caution, additional security measures were in place Wednesday morning.
Then on Wednesday, January 16, deputies received reports of rumored threats of possible shootings at several Lafourche Parish schools. Upon further investigation, investigators found these threats were similar to an incident in Terrebonne Parish in which a Houma Junior High School student was arrested Wednesday morning. Similar messages began circulating with only the name of the school changing on each. At this time, no threats involving Lafourche Parish schools have been deemed credible.
Sheriff Webre said that while these threats are alarming, he is not surprised to see a rash of threats following Sunday’s arrest of a Thibodaux High School student. Cameron Boudreaux, 18, was arrested for allegedly making direct threats to students that he would kill them by bringing a gun to school.
“In the past, upon making an arrest involving a school threat, we tended to see ‘copycat’ incidents over the next few days or weeks,” said Sheriff Webre. “I want to assure the community that we are working with the Lafourche Parish School District to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. Every threat is considered credible until proven otherwise, and we will fully investigate any and all threats that arise.”
Investigators are also aware of “Facebook challenges” which encourage students to make threats of school violence or run away from home. Sheriff Webre warns these “challenges” have serious consequences.
“This is not a game,” said Sheriff Webre. “Making a threat of this nature will result can result in an arrest and criminal charges that will follow you for the rest of your life. There is no level of anonymity that can protect you. For years, we have worked closely with social media outlets to identify those responsible, and we will continue to do so.”
Sheriff Webre said additional deputies or investigators may be seen at Lafourche Parish schools over the next several days, but he stresses that it is simply out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students and faculty.
Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent, Dr. Louis Voiron stated, “District and school level administrators have been working with LPSO throughout these incidents and continue to do so. Any threats of violence will be taken seriously and proper action taken accordingly. We encourage parents and guardians to have a conversation with their children regarding the seriousness of making threatening statements of any form either on or off campus. We also ask that you discuss the importance of reporting anything heard or seen in social media to a school or law enforcement official immediately.”