MESQUITE, TX – Authorities in Mesquite are investigating a disturbing incident at Horn High School, where a 19-year-old man allegedly gained access to the school and sexually assaulted a student at knifepoint. This incident has raised serious concerns among parents and community members about school security and communication protocols.
The attack occurred on a Tuesday afternoon, when police report that a student at the high school opened a locked door for the suspect, allowing him to enter the premises. The suspect, identified by police as Elijah, was reportedly searching for his ex-girlfriend, a student at the school. Once inside, he allegedly used a knife to force her into a restroom where the assault took place.
Following the incident, the victim immediately reported the assault to school staff, prompting a teacher to confront the suspect. Despite the teacher’s intervention, the suspect fled the scene, and school resource officers were unable to locate him on campus. Later that evening, police apprehended Elijah at his home in Seagoville, charging him with aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Parents expressed frustration that they were not informed of the incident until the following day. Leah Fanar, a concerned parent, noted the delay in communication, saying that typically, notifications about incidents such as contraband on campus are sent out promptly. Another parent, Breonna Madalynn, echoed these concerns, questioning why it took 24 hours to notify parents about a threat to student safety.
Despite the arrest, worries about school security persist. Parents are anxious about the possibility of a similar incident occurring in the future. Mesquite Police emphasized the importance of verifying information before disseminating it to ensure accuracy, citing the rarity of such events.
In response to the incident, Mesquite ISD assured parents that only two entrances are designated for visitors at the high school. The district also stated that the student who allowed the suspect entry would face severe disciplinary action. This situation could have had even graver consequences, highlighting the need for stringent security measures.
While police could not confirm whether Elijah was a former student at Horn High School, they did establish that he was acquainted with the student who let him inside. The incident underscores the critical need for enhanced security protocols and timely communication to protect students.