3 in custody in Ector school threat

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Posted: 6:55 PM Nov 30, 2007
Last Updated: 6:55 PM Nov 30, 2007
Reporter: Daniel Gotera
Email Address: daniel.gotera@kxii.com

40 comments

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ECTOR, Tex. -- Three juveniles are in custody after police say they threatened Ector school students and staff. Officials cancelled classes on Thursday as a precaution, and are informing everyone of the threat on Friday.

Candice Ostrowski was shocked when she heard the news that three of her fellow students threatened to harm her teachers and friends.

Officials were just as surprised to hear about a threat of this magnitude in their community.

School officials received a call Wednesday afternoon of what they are calling "a terroristic threat" on the school. After a preliminary investigation, Ector and Fannin County authorities found evidence on a student’s MySpace page confirming the rumors.

That’s when authorities say they acted quickly.

Because they couldn't arrest the individuals Wednesday night, Ector ISD officials cancelled school Thursday, telling students and family it was due to a gas leak.

"I had to come up with something that was serious enough that you will close school down," Gary Bohannon, Ector ISD superintendent, said.

Ector Police arrested three juveniles Thursday in connection with the threat. They are being held in a juvenile detention center. A hearing on Monday will determine what charges will be filed against the three.

Parents were updated on the situation on Friday and agree the right steps were taken, even if the threat never would have materialized.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: SOPHMORE Location: Bonham on Dec 5, 2007 at 09:34 AM
They are good guys and i dont think that they would do something like that.I have been friends with them like a couple years they are good guys!!!!!!

Posted by: SENIOR AT Location: ECTOR HIGH SCHOOL [SENIOR] on Dec 5, 2007 at 07:14 AM
I WOULD LIKE TO STATE... THEY WERE NOT OUTKAST. IN FACT THEY WERE VERY WELL LIKED DESPITE WHAT CANDICE OSTROWSKI SAID. EVERYONE IN ECTOR IS SO CLOSE. AND NO ONE IS FAVORED OVER ANYONE. NOR DO THE ATHLETES GET SPECIAL ATTENTION OR PRIVLEDGES. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THESES 3 GUYS, WHO ARE MY FRIENDS, WOULD DO SOMETHING TO THIS EXTENT. I THINK THEY WERE JUST ALL TALK ABOUT IT. THESE BOYS HAEV NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS AND I DO NOT KNOW WHY THEY WOULD WANT TO DO THIS. ECTOR IS AN AWESOME SCHOOL DESPITE WHAT HAPPENED THIS PAST WEEK.... AND MY KIDS WILL GO TO SCHOOL HERE BECAUSE THIS IS A WELCOMING AND ACCEPTING ENVIROMENT SO EVERYONE JUST NEEDS TO CALM DOWN ABOUT IT. THE SITUTATION IS HANDLED AND IT UNDER CONTROL. AND NOT ONCE DID THE STUDENTS FEEL LIKE OUR LIVES WERE IN DANGER. ECTOR IS A SAFE PLACE FOR ANYONE.AND I DO THINK IT WAS HANDLED PROPERLY AND THE RIIGHT STEPS WERE TAKEN TO BE SURE NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN, EVEN IF IT WASNT GOING TO IN THE FIRST PLACE. THANK YOU. -Senior 2008 [athlete]

Posted by: Sherri Parent Location: Ector on Dec 4, 2007 at 06:18 PM
I have a daughter that goes to Ector Jr. High, she has been here since kindergarten. I would like to thank everone involved and say that I am proud of how this was handled. My daughter is my life and I would be forever lost without her. For all of you who do not agree with what has happened or how it was handled, I wonder what you would say if you were in my shoes. As for the boys involved, I believe that if they had partent that loved them, as a child should be loved, they would not be in the situation they are in today. People we need to remember that we are not raising children we are raising ADULTS, if you want a caring, loving adult you must give them that as children. What have these boys been thru to even make them consider this kind of act? I do not excuse what they have done, but I do pray for them. I think we all shoud.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ector on Dec 4, 2007 at 02:16 PM
I would like to let the people know that Ector ISD is one of the best schools in Texas. We have been to several other schools and by far they are the best. They have a kind and caring staff who put the children first. As far as the person wrote about "substandered" maybe they should have gone to Ector and then they would know how to spell "substandard". I found that certain people need to keep their opinions to themselves especially under these circumstances.

Posted by: Ector Location: Ector on Dec 4, 2007 at 02:08 PM
I would like to tell the person who wrote "Don't think the school should have lied". They need to rethink what they wrote. The school saved the lives of students and faculty members. Great job Ector!! You have full support from our family and friends.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Oklahoma on Dec 4, 2007 at 12:08 PM
To Anonymous in Ector who named Jeremy: Regarless of whether the guy is innocent or not, he still made the choice to go along with the plan. If they didn't have guns on them, then he should have let the authorities know because they take that stuff VERY SERIOUSLY!! He had a choice and he chose the wrong one!! Now he has to PROVE he is innocent.

Posted by: concerned parent Location: ector on Dec 4, 2007 at 11:11 AM
I have two children that attend Ector ISD and one of them is in highschool. I have found it to be a wonderful school with a very attentive and committed staff. I feel that the whole situation was handled exactly as it should have been. My only concern is that the 3 students responsible be released from custody. Even if they aren't allowed back in school, what's to keep them from carrying out their original plans anyway, it's a very small town, i'm sure they know where most everyone lives. My only hope is that the state of TEXAS makes an example out of the 3 responsible and keeps them where they belong.

Posted by: Jolene Baker Location: Ector on Dec 4, 2007 at 09:43 AM
My gratitude to the Ector ISD administration, the Ector Police Dept., and other law enforcement officials involved in this matter. They handled matters excellently - now if they can just get a conviction with some "teeth" to it. It may have just been a prank, but, thankfully, we will never know for sure. This is not something to even joke about anymore. I am sure that families of the dead at Columbine, Jonesboro, or any of the other schools where someone did not take these type threats seriously with tragic repurcussions would love to go back and have the opportunity to "take seriously" some of the warning signs demonstrated by the people involved. Of course everyone at these locals thought they were not serious either until the killing started. I graduated from Ector ISD, and believe there is no better school in the state of Texas. The actions taken to protect students in this situation is just one more example of how truly good it is.

Posted by: Sharon Location: Savoy on Dec 4, 2007 at 07:41 AM
I"ve got 3 grandsons that attend Ector ISD and I want to thank, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Bohannon,the staff that stayed up late to call all the students, Ector Police Dept, Bonham Police Dept,the Judge,and anyone else that was involved, for all the work that you did to protect our kids. A special thank you to the parent that notified the school of the threat. God Bless You

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 10:38 PM
Thank you so much administration for saving our children's lives and those of the faculty & staff. God Bless each and every one of you at Ector ISD.

Posted by: anonymous Location: ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 10:09 PM
jeromy is innocent and he had nothing to do with it and i promise u that. let me ask you a question if just 2 of your friends were planning a school shooting and they wanted you involved but yet they were going to shoot your bestfrind would you still do it. thank you my point exactly

Posted by: Grandparents Location: Savoy on Dec 3, 2007 at 07:38 PM
We have grandkids that attend Ector ISD. We support the school in the decision that was made. We don't even want to think about what could have happen if God hadn't been watching over the school. Blaming and making excuses doesn't help, we all need to pray for all that has been affected by this situation. Let us all stand together to help make this a better nation to raise our kids and grandkids. May God Bless Ector ISD and Thank you

Posted by: A Parent Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 03:41 PM
People........Really........ whether or not the school is great or not has no bearing on the situation. YOU DON'T RESORT TO VIOLENCE just because you feel neglected, frustrated or otherwise. I mean come on ANONYMOUS in DALLAS.....you mean to tell me that you condone the situation because you think they may have felt UNPOPULAR? Give me a break.........THAT is exactly what is wrong with our society today -- Blaming parents, schools, bosses, etc. because we can't handle our emotions -- "They hate me so I'm going to shoot them?" What kind of logic is that?

Posted by: Ector Parent Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Great job Ector! We are in full support of the schools decision.

Posted by: Ector Grandparent Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Those of you who want to bash the school need to take a long hard look at themselves and ask themselves the question "What would Jesus have done? Jesus loves all of us and he will take care of his children. I believe that the Lord was working with the school administration when the decision was made. Did you know there is strength in living at peace? The Lord commands that we live at peace with those around us. When there is strife, then the enemy has an open door to move in your life.This is when people say or write things that are harmful to one another. If you need peace today, ask the Lord to fill your heart so you can be a blessing to those around you.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 03:15 PM
"How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity..for there the Lord has commanded the blessing.." Psalm 133:1-3 The Lord has commanded that blessing come upon you when you are at peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. As believers, we are called to work together in unity in order to fulfill God's purposes. This is exactly what Ector ISD did. They worked together to save the lives of those students and faculty members. They put the lives of those students and faculty members first. Go out of your way to be a blessing to someone today.

Posted by: Ector Parent Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Our children have attended and attend Ector.We believe it is one of the best schools in the state of Texas. My entire family wants to praise the administration on how they handled the situation on Thursday. God Bless each of you. Our children and teachers are here today because of you. God has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11

Posted by: Ector Parent on Dec 3, 2007 at 02:36 PM
I drive my children 30 miles one way and pass 2 other schools each day to take them to Ector School. I think it is the closest thing to a perfect school that you can get. They are constantly providing the students with positive experiences and rewards, all students, not just some. I know for a fact that they seek out students who are easily overlooked to make sure those students are recognized in a positive manner. The administration and faculty are truly genuine in their concern for the students. This situation was handled in a textbook manner and should be used as an example of how to handle such a difficult and serious matter. I commend the district for keeping the children safe and for taking these allegations seriously. As far as the "lying" to the parents about the gas leak, I am in full support and they can lie to me anytime that it saves my children's life. Let's get our priorities straight.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 02:24 PM
I graduated from Ector ISD and perhaps the "anonymous" person that posted the comment about "substandered" education should have gone there as well because they would then know that it should have been "substandard" education. I think we know how much stock to put in their comment. Also, teachers are not supposed to administer IQ tests or screen for dyslexia. There are specialists for those areas. Perhaps, if you have an axe to grind with a school, a possible school shooting is not the best avenue to voice that opinion. In my book, that person is just as guilty as the 3 hoodlums who made these threats. Grow up and get some standards while you're at it.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2007 at 02:08 PM
It was on their my space page for all to see. What do you mean they didn't......

Posted by: Ector Parent Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Those of you that have harsh words to say about how the situation was handled or how your children were "treated" in Ector must not be talking about the same school. My son started school here after we moved to Ector some 13 years ago. My daughter has not been to any other school. They have always been treated with loving care. The teachers treat the all of the students with care. They are truly concerned with giving the students a good education. Maybe those of you that had bad experiences should have looked into the situation a little further. I think the decision was the right one to make. Had they told we parents the real reason, word would have gotten out and those students that are guilty of this would have been able to erase evidence and then been able to carry out their plans. God had his guardian angels on overtime as far as I can see.

Posted by: aaaaaaaa Location: aaaaaaa on Dec 3, 2007 at 01:45 PM
they didnt do it

Posted by: ?????????? Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 12:31 PM
i go to school in Ector and i know that they wouldn't have done this but this could happen to anyone. there has been many school threats and i cant believe that is has happen here. i think they have done a great job with the situation but you never know what could really happen when you send your children to school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: DALLAS on Dec 3, 2007 at 08:40 AM
Well, this does not make any sense at all. Nobody would have thought that this would have happened to ECTOR. The kids to take there frustration to violence. Maybe it is the school that they do not like. Makes sense. My child went there. HE HATED IT. They only pay attention to the POPULAR children. :) :) :) :)

Posted by: Casi Drachenberg Location: Ector on Dec 3, 2007 at 08:17 AM
My granddaughter is the fourth generation to attend Ector School in our family. It is one of the finest schools in Fannin County, or even in the state of Texas for that matter. The school officials were absolutely correct in their handling of the situation, quite possibly saving the lives of students and teachers, alike. Those who have the small minds to complain of how Mr. Bohannon and the staff handled the situation should rethink what could have happened had they not acted as they did. Thank you, Gary, Mike, and all the wonderful teachers at Ector ISD. You do a wonderful job and our children and community are blessed by your presence and we thank God each day for your dedication and commitment. God bless each of you. And to the three young men and their families, our prayers are with you, as well.

Posted by: M.I. Location: Oklahoma on Dec 2, 2007 at 07:34 PM
My three children went to Ector school for three years and I found the staff to be very caring for all of their students and went out of their way to help those students in need, as did the town.No school should have this happen! School is where childeren go to learn and gain social skills thry should never be afraid to go there.These children that did this must be taught the seriousness of their actions and how it affected everyone around...That is how life is most of us learn hopefully they will.

Posted by: Angela Welton Location: Ector on Dec 2, 2007 at 08:27 AM
My son attends ector high school,and my oldest graduated from this school. The teachers and staff need to be commended for there quick thinking and for there handling of the situation . GOOD JOB .

Posted by: Anon Location: Sherman on Dec 1, 2007 at 09:15 PM
An entire school system has been terrorized. I think the punishment should be severe and that they should never be allowed to set foot on Ector school property again.

Posted by: billy Location: denison on Dec 1, 2007 at 09:47 AM
The school and police did a good job becase you cant tell if they were just joking or not but i dont think the boys should go to jail i think a bunch of comunity service would fix this becase if we put them in jail over what they thought was a joke it could have an adverse efect on them so i say let them pick up litter for a mounth or two

Posted by: Ronnie Location: Bonham on Dec 1, 2007 at 09:39 AM
We are grateful for the wise and decisive action shown by Mr. Bohannon, Mr. Shaw, and the Ector school faculty. Also, special appreciation for Mike Stevens, Ector Policeman. We pray for the all the students and families affected by this, including those who may have instigated the incident.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 1, 2007 at 12:47 AM
llllll

Posted by: RD Location: Texas on Nov 30, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Great Job Ector. Very well handled!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 30, 2007 at 10:48 PM
At one time I had my child in Ector ISD and found the school to be substandered. The teachers did not even know how to administer a dyslexia or IQ test properly. My child is now in Bonham and I am so grateful. I do not agree with what the three students did. However, I do understand that some hard feelings towards the staff can be expected when some students do not have their needs addressed correctly. I found that certain staff members were quite harsh to the unpopular children.

Posted by: Kristin Location: Windom on Nov 30, 2007 at 09:30 PM
I went to the school my self. I know one of the boys from there and I wouldn't have ever thought that they would do something like this. This is something that you dont even joke about not even if it was your dog. Ector is a small town and a very good community. They have never had anything like this and shouldn't ever have it at all. They just need to remember that one day they will have to answer to their actions. Not to us but to the one and only.

Posted by: no name Location: ??? on Nov 30, 2007 at 09:13 PM
I don't think the school should of have lied to the parents of the students. They discipline kids for lying so what kind of message are the sending out? I do think they handled things the way the should of been other than lying to parents and kids!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 30, 2007 at 06:49 PM
People wonder what is going on this close to home.I tell you parents don't have the time that it takes anymore to take care of their kids and they are reising theirselfs and don't think that they are to mind or except responsabity for their actions.The govenment want let you spank the kids like they should be on the butt and then they wonder why kids act like they do.WAKE UP and take control of the kids or this world is going to get WORSE.I mean spend time with your kids and show them love and maybe the killing and everything else will stop.Concern parent.

Posted by: Leroy Location: sherman on Nov 30, 2007 at 06:46 PM
Im so proud of ector school district on the way they handled this situation. Those three boys should have known better than that. They should not ever be released for that fact. They probably was just a prank, but you never know now days. God was looking out for Ector Texas!!!

Posted by: Krista Simpson Location: Ector Tx on Nov 30, 2007 at 04:25 PM
I was commenting about the Ector situation. I graduated from Ector in 2003. I think Ector is a very good school. Infact my daughter will be going to kindergarten there next year. I think this is the first time Ector has ever had any problems. The teachers are good and so is the school and I don't know why anyone would threaten it.

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