On Thursday, May 2, 2024, at approximately 5:30 pm, the Royse City Police Department received alarming information regarding a 17-year-old student at Royse City High School. He was identified as Decarlos Adarius Pope. The student had purportedly posted a credible threat against the school on social media. Reacting swiftly, authorities launched an immediate investigation into the matter.
Following the severity of the threat, an arrest warrant was issued for Pope. Law enforcement personnel from both the Royse City Police Department and the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Pope’s residence in Rockwall County, where the arrest was made without any further incident.
Given Royse City High School's location in the Hunt County portion of Royse City, Pope was subsequently transported to the Hunt County Detention Center. Charges have been filed under the Texas Education Code Section 37.125, pertaining to the exhibition, use, or threat of exhibition or use of firearms, constituting a Class A Misdemeanor. His bond was set at $20,000.
Upon becoming aware of the credible threat, the Royse City Police Department notified the Royse City Independent School District (ISD) Administration. Collaborating closely with the school district, authorities conducted a thorough investigation into the potential threat, emphasizing the paramount importance of campus safety and security.
Authorities believe this incident to be an isolated one, with no involvement of additional individuals. Expressing gratitude to those who came forward to report the threat, law enforcement authorities have reassured staff, students, and parents of heightened security measures around the campus. Despite the increased presence of law enforcement personnel, authorities are confident that the threat to the school has been effectively neutralized, providing reassurance to the school community.
