(Irving, Texas) Sept.16, 2015 – Earlier this week, school resource officers at MacArthur High School were notified by the Irving ISD officials about a student in possession of a suspicious device. Attached is a picture of the device that shows it was suspicious in nature. The student showed the device to a teacher, who was concerned that it was possibly the infrastructure for a bomb. School resource officers questioned the student about his intentions and the reasons why he brought the device to school. The student only would say it was a clock and was not forthcoming at that time about any other details.
Having no other information to go on, and taking into consideration the device’s suspicious appearance and the safety of the students and staff at MacArthur High School, the student was taken into custody for possessing a hoax bomb.
Under Texas law, a person is guilty of possessing a hoax bomb if he possesses a device that is intended to cause anyone to be alarmed or a reaction of any type by law enforcement officers. Following standard procedure the student was handcuffed for his safety and for the safety of the officers and was transported to a juvenile processing area of the police station. Recognizing additional facts were required, the student was released to his parents, so further investigation could be completed.
The follow-up investigation revealed the device apparently was a homemade experiment, and there is no evidence to support the perception he intended to create alarm. No charges will be filed and the case is considered closed. Obviously, we will review this as we do high profile incidents of any nature, but it evolved as it did as a matter of safety and an abundance of caution.
The Irving Police Department has always experienced an outstanding relationship with the Muslim community. We recognize situations like this present challenges, but we are committed to continuing to build a positive relationship.
Chief Boyd plans to meet with the student’s father later today to answer his questions and to help him understand more about how this process evolved.
