HOUSTON, TX – A potential tragedy was averted in Houston’s Memorial area after authorities arrested two teenage girls allegedly plotting an attack on a local high school. The plan, which involved the use of guns and pipe bombs at Memorial High School, prompted swift action by law enforcement following a credible tip.
The Spring Branch Independent School District (ISD) police, in collaboration with the FBI and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended the suspects—a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old girl—within 30 minutes of receiving the information. The quick response highlights the serious nature of the threat, which officials deemed credible enough to warrant immediate intervention.
The investigation revealed that the suspects intended to plant pipe bombs throughout the school and use firearms against students. The plan was in its nascent stages, but law enforcement acted decisively to prevent any potential harm. The 16-year-old, a student assigned to Memorial High School but attending a different school within the district, has been charged with making a terroristic threat, a third-degree felony.
The 15-year-old, who is not a student within the Spring Branch ISD, remains in custody with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are still determining if charges will be filed against her. The swift arrests have alleviated the immediate threat to the school and its students, according to Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Bainbridge.
Despite the gravity of the situation, many parents and students were unaware of the incident as they left the school premises. Efforts are underway to inform the school community about the thwarted plan and to assure them of their safety.
The district has yet to release a statement regarding the notification of parents and staff, but the incident underscores the importance of vigilance and communication in maintaining school safety. As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to ensuring the security of students and staff in the district.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers facing educational institutions and the critical role of timely intelligence and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in preventing such threats.