San Antonio, TX – A Bexar County judge on Monday ordered the release of a 15‑year‑old who had been held in juvenile detention after authorities said he made a terroristic threat at Pieper High School. The teen was released to his family after five days in custody, with the court imposing several conditions to ensure public safety and his compliance.
Conditions of release
Judge William Cruz Shaw stipulated that the teen must not have any contact with the alleged victim or two other students involved in the incident. He is also required to attend school regularly, maintain good behavior, and follow any additional court orders. The judge warned that any further trouble could result in the teen being returned to detention.
Details of the school incident
Pieper High School, which serves roughly 2,000 students, was placed on lockdown for about four hours last Tuesday after an airsoft gun was reportedly brandished during an argument between two boys, possibly over a girl, according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. The lockdown ended without any injuries, but the incident raised heightened concerns about school safety in the community.
Legal representation and allegations of overreach
The teen’s attorney, Nico LaHood, argued that his client does not pose a danger to others and will be supervised at home. LaHood told the court that the teen is willing to comply with all orders. Outside the courtroom, LaHood described the detention as an overreaction and raised concerns about how investigators handled the questioning. He alleged that a sergeant isolated the teen from his attorneys despite knowing the teen had legal representation. LaHood said he is considering filing a formal complaint against the sergeant, though no complaint has been filed at this time.
Next steps for the teen’s education
It remains unclear where the teen will attend school while the case proceeds. Court personnel indicated that no future hearing has been scheduled, and further decisions will be made after discussions between the prosecution and defense. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing student safety with due process for juveniles.
Community response
Parents and community members expressed a mix of relief that the teen is back with his family and concern over the seriousness of the threat. Local school officials emphasized that they continue to work with law‑enforcement to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about similar threats to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. The district remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent future incidents and maintain a secure atmosphere for students and staff.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
