About 1 pm a firework exploded at a table in the cafeteria of Klein Forest High School on Misty Valley in Spring. A campus of close to 4000 students caused mass panic. One student who was found responsible for the incident has been expelled. Fire, EMS, and multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene and assisted in clearing the school and the area. Explosive detection dogs were brought in from as far away as Montgomery County. Klein ISD Chief David Kimberly said the report first came in from a campus officer who reported shots fired. As units responded they were updated to the fact some type of explosion. They have since identified it as some type of firework device placed in a secondary container. Four students suffered minor injuries but not transported. Some of the injuries were as a result of how the device was detonated others from the rush of students out of the school. The Harris County Fire Marshal Christensen said there is an active investigation into additional persons involved. She stated that person using any device, explosive, firework or any other device that is used to injure or disrupt will be filed on and charged by the Harris County District Attorney.
Klein ISD released the following statement regarding the incident:
Today, January 7, 2020, an incident occurred at Klein Forest High School. We believe it is important to keep you informed about our district.
The incident is still under investigation, but it is believed that an aerial firework placed in a container was discharged at approximately 1 p.m. Klein ISD Police Officers on duty at the campus immediately responded and began executing the emergency operations plan. Students and staff evacuated the building immediately and all students and staff are safe.
Four Klein ISD students sustained minor injuries and were immediately checked by the school nurse and by Cypress Creek EMS when they arrived on the scene. They have been cleared by the EMS and are with their families. No students or staff needed hospitalization for further medical attention. Counselors were on site immediately to provide support.
A suspect has been detained by law enforcement and issued an emergency expulsion in accordance with the student code of conduct by Klein ISD administration. As the investigation continues, Klein ISD will hold all involved in this incident responsible to the fullest extent of the student code of conduct and the law.
The District is grateful for the immediate response of emergency personnel, law enforcement, and first responders working with the Klein Police Department in responding to this incident. All criminal acts are taken seriously, investigated completely, and addressed through the Student Code of Conduct as well as through law enforcement. The safety of our students and staff is always a top priority in Klein ISD. We encourage all of our students and staff to be vigilant and proactive. Please contact us whenever you see or hear something suspicious concerning Klein ISD. If you see something, say something. Don’t spread it, report it. Use the Keep Klein Safe red button located at the top of all Klein ISD webpages.
Klein Forest students, staff and administration are to be commended for ensuring a smooth and orderly evacuation.
