Caruthersville PD: Four arrested in connection to school threats

Caruthersville, Mo. - Multiple arrests were confirmed Wednesday, Sept. 18, regarding one threat that targeted public schools here, with the possibility of more people detained who posted a second harmful message to social media.

Caruthersville Police Dept. Chief Jerry Hudgens said his officers, the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office, and Juvenile Offices are “currently working diligently with the Caruthersville School District regarding the recent threats of violence” to our school district.

“The Caruthersville Police have recently made arrests regarding the threats that were made to the Caruthersville Schools,” Hudgens said. “We have also located important information into the latest threat and have tracked down valuable information about the latest post, including from where the post was generated.

“We believe (information uncovered by police) will be useful in making an arrest on the person(s) responsible for that threat as well,” the chief continued. “You should know and beware that if you think making threats is a game or something that you can hide and get away with, you are wrong.”

Hudgens followed that statement with assurances his investigators would peer into every threat swiftly and completely until the issues end and charges are filed.

“We will investigate these threats and do everything within our power to file charges that will follow you the rest of your adult life,” Hudgens warned. “This IS NOT A GAME.

“You will be caught, charged and expelled from school,” he swore. “These types of threats fall under terroristic threat laws, and have severe consequences.”

Hudgens thanked the community and those who offered information that led to the most recent arrests, with promises of more on the way, the result of investigators uncovering “valuable information.”

“We appreciate our citizens who have came forward with concern and support during this time of trouble,” he said.

In a more recent post to social media, Hudgens announced advanced protections for schools would be instituted by his department.

“The Caruthersville Police Department will be working closely with the Caruthersville School District to do everything that we can to prevent any issues at our schools,” he said. “In an effort to ensure that students, staff and community members are safe we will be taking additional measures in an attempt to provide a safer environment for everyone.

“Do not be alarmed if you see more officers in or around the school areas,” Hudgens said. “This is only to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent any kind of incident.

The chief said those with “any concerns or information that you want to pass along and remain anonymous” should use TEXT-A-TIP.

“Text TIP CVILLEPUBLIC followed by your message to, 888777,” Hudgens explained.