By james art LAREDO, TX (KWTX) – The Laredo Police Department arrested a man with an extensive criminal record after a threat was made to shoot up elementary schools on Oct. 22.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Juan Carlos Moreno, is charged with making terroristic threats to harm public services, putting the public in fear of serious bodily harm.
Laredo police officers were first made aware of the situation at approximately 7:42 a.m. when a note was taped to the door of the Border Region Behavioral Health Center at 1500 Pappas St., according to a Laredo Morning Times article.
At a news conference, LPD Chief Miguel A. Rodriguez Jr. said the note contained language considered threatening and that several “red flags” were raised.
Officers notified the Laredo and Unified Independent School Districts and advised the schools to go into protective lockdown while the Violent Crimes Gang Unit searched for the suspect.
According to Rodriguez, Moreno was found at a home located in the 500 block of Montgomery St. at approximately 10:36 a.m. and the schools were immediately notified. No weapons were found at the scene or on Moreno.
According to a KGNS News article, both areas have been removed from “safe mode.”
Rodriguez said Moreno allegedly has an extensive history with the Laredo Police Department, with prior charges including aggravated assault and drug possession among many.
Rodriguez also stated that Moreno is believed to be having a mental health episode.
Information on where Moreno is being held is currently unknown.
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