Suspect Arrested After Threats Prompt School Lockdown

 
 

A Knox man is jailed after reportedly making threats on a social media website that prompted a school lockdown. 20-year-old Paul J. Esparza entered Knox High School twice yesterday and was escorted from the building both times, according to police. A post on Esparza’s Facebook page led officials to believe he was in possession of a handgun.

Knox Police found him near the school shortly after they were notified and arrested him. Superintendent A.J. Gappa tells WKVI News the schools were placed on lockdown for about 10 minutes until Esparza was found. Several parents claim they were not notified of the situation by school officials and say they only learned what was going on via social media. Esparza faces misdemeanor charges of trespassing and intimidation in connection with the incident.