A reported assault at Splendora High School Thursday morning, April 9, triggered a campus lockdown and a large multi-agency law enforcement response before authorities determined the incident was a hoax.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began at approximately 8:45 a.m. when a panic alarm was activated by a teacher. Three school resource officers already on campus immediately placed the school on lockdown while additional law enforcement agencies responded.
Approximately 100 officers from multiple agencies arrived to secure the campus and ensure the safety of students and staff.
The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrived within 30 minutes and launched an investigation. Major Crimes detectives and crime scene investigators reviewed surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, and collected physical evidence.
During the course of the investigation, authorities determined that no assault had occurred. Instead, investigators found that the teacher’s injuries were self-inflicted and that the incident had been fabricated.
The teacher was identified as 53-year-old Nicole Truelove, who has been employed with Splendora ISD for one year. She was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where she is charged with felony tampering with evidence and false report/false alarm.
Officials confirmed that no students were injured and that the incident was isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public.
The initial report caused widespread concern among parents and community members, many of whom rushed to the campus or sought updates as information spread. The school remained on lockdown before transitioning to a secure hold as the investigation continued, and reunification procedures were later implemented, requiring identification for student pickup.
District officials said established safety protocols were followed and functioned as intended. Law enforcement officials also stated that the response was appropriate based on the information initially received.
Authorities emphasized that all threats involving schools are taken seriously and that individuals will be held accountable.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office also acknowledged the assistance of multiple responding agencies, including Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constables, Texas Game Wardens, Splendora ISD Police, Splendora Police Department, New Caney ISD Police, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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