Crime
Bettye Mae Jack Middle School Lifts Lockdown After TikTok Video Threat of School Shooting
Similar threats have been reported at multiple schools across the nation this week.
Bettye Mae Jack Middle School was placed on lockdown on Tuesday, September 10th, after students alerted school officials to a TikTok video containing a school shooting threat directed at the school.
Law enforcement agencies were immediately notified and responded to the scene to investigate the threat.
While no credible threat has been identified at this time, the school will maintain an increased law enforcement presence on campus for the remainder of the week to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
Similar threats have been reported at multiple schools across the nation this week.
Bettye Mae Jack Middle School will thoroughly investigate each and every threat to protect the well-being of its students and staff.
The school would like to commend the students for bringing this information to the attention of school personnel. Their quick action, combined with the swift response of school staff, administration, and law enforcement, ensured the safety of students and staff on Tuesday and should be recognized.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.