OUACHITA, La. (9/12/2025) – The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) confirmed Friday that deputies made arrests following two separate school-related incidents on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The incidents occurred at West Ouachita High School and East Ouachita Middle School, prompting additional law enforcement presence at both campuses.
Threat at West Ouachita High School
Deputies arrested a 16-year-old female after she allegedly made threats to “shoot up West Ouachita High School” and specifically mentioned her ex-boyfriend. Authorities classified the incident as terrorizing. The student was transported to Green Oaks Juvenile Detention Center and faces one count of terrorizing.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that even statements made as a “joke” or in frustration can result in serious legal consequences when they involve threats of violence in schools. OPSO reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to threats that compromise student safety.
Firearm Found and Discharged at East Ouachita Middle
In a separate incident the same afternoon, two 13-year-old females discovered a firearm inside a desk drawer in the library at East Ouachita Middle School. According to OPSO, the girls removed the weapon and attempted to “play” with it. The firearm discharged, striking the floor and causing a minor foot injury to another female student.
Deputies reviewed video surveillance that confirmed the weapon was located in a desk drawer. Investigators are still working to determine how the firearm was brought onto school property. Both 13-year-old students were arrested and charged with negligent injury.
Statement From Ouachita Parish Schools
Ouachita Parish Schools issued a statement on Friday confirming the firearm incident occurred after school hours, during an extracurricular activity. The district noted that as a student examined the weapon, it discharged into the floor, causing debris to injure a nearby student.
“The School Resource Officer was on the scene immediately to secure the weapon and begin a full investigation with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office,” the district stated. “Out of an abundance of caution, OPSO will have additional deputies on campus Friday.”
Increased Law Enforcement Presence
OPSO confirmed deputies increased their presence at both West Ouachita High School and East Ouachita Middle School to reassure students, parents, and staff. The sheriff’s office stressed that both incidents are under active investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.
Community Impact
These back-to-back incidents have raised concerns among parents and community members about school safety. OPSO and Ouachita Parish Schools assured families that swift action was taken to protect students and that law enforcement will continue working closely with school officials to ensure safety on campus.
Both investigations remain ongoing.
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