Corsicana Daily Sun, Corsicana, Texas

News

October 31, 2012

Facebook prank causes Blooming Grove lockdown

Corsicana — Facebook strikes again — this time in Blooming Grove.

The creation of a fake Facebook account has launched a police investigation, and caused the Blooming Grove High School to be locked down on Halloween, according to Principal Karen Lane. It’s also started a flurry of rumors that grew like wildfire all morning Wednesday.

“There’s no threats, no bomb threats, no gun threats. It’s just eerie Halloween stuff, like ‘I walk the halls with you,’ and ‘you never listen to me,’” Lane explained. “They didn’t think we’d take it seriously, but anytime something like that comes up I will take it seriously. I don’t care if it’s a practical joke. It’s not funny and I don’t appreciate it.”

The prank started with an apparent fictitious Facebook account for “John Smith” who sent friend requests to various Blooming Grove High students.

“They live in a good community and trust everybody, so everybody befriends this person,” Lane explained.

Lane said law enforcement is investigating the IP address to track down the computer that created the account. The Blooming Grove Police Department is also involved, as is the district’s resource officer.

“You’ve got to take it seriously,” said Blooming Grove Police Chief T.C. Lawhon. “Until we can prove it otherwise, we’re going to have to take the appropriate measures to make sure the kids and staff are OK.”

The incident came to light on Tuesday afternoon, but on Wednesday morning the entire school staff came in early, and they decided to go on maximum security or lockdown, just to be on the safe side, Lane said.

“These are precautions taken to ensure safety,” she said. “I feel sure once the person is caught there will be no more pranksters in Blooming Grove on Halloween.”

—————

Janet Jacobs may be reached via email at jjacobs@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “soundoff” to this article? Email: Soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com

Text Only
News
  • 5-18 Map.jpg City proposes route changes for Clean-Up Day

    For more than 10 years, Navarro County and the City of Corsicana have co-hosted a county-wide clean-up day. For most residents, it means an opportunity to take their bulk trash to the city’s landfill for free.

    May 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • City to consider rules for airport, swear in new attorney

    The Corsicana City Council will swear in the new city attorney, and consider requests for money from local charities when the group meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers of the Government Center, 200 N. 12th St. The new city attorney will be Kerri Anderson Donica. She ran unopposed for the position, along with Municipal Judge Mike Russell.

    May 18, 2013

  • CISD to hire architects for new campus

    The Corsicana ISD Board of Trustees will consider selecting an architectural firm for the new middle school when the group meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Monday, 601 North 13th Street.

    May 18, 2013

  • 5-18 pocket park.jpg New pocket park planned

    A former plumbing supply shop that has since become nothing more than one wall and one partial wall, is going to become the latest city park in Corsicana.

    May 18, 2013 2 Photos

  • 5-18 Vienna Piano Academy 2.jpg Navarro College students to attend prestigious piano academy

    They’re different as daylight and dark — she loves soccer and history, he loves math and science. She hails from Flower Mound, he from Malaysia. She is bubbly, outgoing and excited; he is a bit shy, somewhat reserved.

    May 17, 2013 2 Photos

  • Police Beat

    • A woman was arrested for trying to interfere in the serving of two felony warrants around noon Thursday at an apartment at 4301 W. Highway 31.

    May 17, 2013

  • Local Beat

    May 15 to July 31
    The Navarro Council of the arts presents "With Six You Get Eggrolls" A Fine Art Exhibit featuring the works of Helen Albritton, Barbara Jones, Gladys Espenson, Deb Miller, Stephanie Ford, and Margie Taylor at the Warehouse Gallery from May 15 to July.  Exhibit is free and open to the public daily.

    May 17, 2013

  • gavel.jpg Monday jury for Judge Lagomarsino dismissed

    Jury for District Court Judge James Lagomarsino for Monday, May 20, 2013 has been dismissed.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Texas residents missing after tornadoes found safe

    People who were missing in the wake of the destructive tornadoes in North Texas have been found safe, officials said Friday, but they didn't indicate when residents of one hard-hit neighborhood will be allowed to return to survey damage to their homes.

    May 17, 2013

  • Police department open house Tuesday

    The renovation of the Corsicana Police Department got a bit more involved than it was originally intended to. An error with some concrete resulted in water flooding city hall, and forcing replacement of carpeting and flooring. As well, the renovations quickly led to renovations of the municipal court, as well.

    May 17, 2013

Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Seasonal Content
House Ads
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter
Front page
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide