Royal Ridge Elementary Lockdown: Police Respond to Threat Call

A lockdown was implemented at Royal Ridge Elementary School in San Antonio after a threat was reported on Wednesday morning. The incident unfolded around 8 a.m. when the North East Independent School District (NEISD) received a call from an unknown individual making violent threats against the school.

Details of the Incident

Upon receiving the threat, NEISD immediately contacted the North East Police Department (NEPD) and activated their Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The school went into lockdown around the same time the threat was reported, prioritizing student and staff safety.

Approximately 15 minutes later, at 8:15 a.m., the school received another call from someone claiming to be inside the restrooms with intent to harm students. The NEPD, along with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), responded promptly to the call.

Police Response

• Officers arrived at the school around 8:35 a.m.
• The search began in the restrooms, as indicated by the caller.
• Officers cleared around 30 rooms throughout the school.

During the search, a student was located in one of the restrooms but had no phone access, complicating the investigation into the call’s origin. Chief of Police Wally McCabe reported that eight to ten officers were involved in the response, methodically searching classrooms and hallways.

Investigation Findings

The caller’s threat was ultimately deemed to have originated from outside Royal Ridge Elementary. SAPD officials are exploring alternatives for the call’s source, but, as of now, no suspects have been identified. The incident is suspected to be a “swatting” call—an alarming prank aimed at provoking substantial police activity.

Community Reaction

In response to the event, parents were quickly informed via email and given the choice to pick up their children as soon as the situation was declared safe. The lockdown was lifted, but the school maintained a “hold” status, keeping students in classrooms to avoid congestion in hallways.

Chief McCabe expressed his disappointment regarding the disruption, stressing the negative impact on educational activities and the fear generated within the community. He remarked on the growing frequency of such threats across the state and country.

Current Status

The lockdown at Royal Ridge Elementary School has ended, but SAPD continues their investigation into the incident, considering it a hoax. School authorities are keen on ensuring the safety and well-being of all students as they work through the aftermath of this disturbing event.