SUNLAND PARK, NM – The Sunland Park Police Department has concluded its investigation
into a reported threat of violence at Santa Teresa Middle School. Following a comprehensive
sweep of the campus by law enforcement and regional response partners, no credible threat was
found. The site was officially cleared at 3:00 p.m.
The investigation began earlier today after a potential threat was reported. Out of an abundance
of caution, the school was placed on a precautionary safety status and subsequently evacuated to
ensure a thorough inspection of the facility. All students and staff remained safe throughout the
duration of the event.
Normal operations are expected to resume tomorrow. The Sunland Park Police Department
thanks the public and the families of Santa Teresa Middle School for their patience and
cooperation during the investigation.
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2:00 PM Safety Update: Santa Teresa Middle School
The Sunland Park Police Department is continuing its investigation into a reported threat of violence. Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken a proactive approach by clearing the site to verify the safety of the campus.
While the investigation remains active, these steps are being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the well-being of all students and staff. We will provide verified updates as soon as the investigation is finalized.
If you are unable to pick up your student at this time, please know that school staff will remain with all students and ensure they are safe.
Once the reunification process is complete, any remaining students will be transitioned into the Sunland Park Sports Complex building, located at 4700 McNutt Rd, Santa Teresa, NM 88008. This is the same facility as the CRRUA building.
School staff will continue to supervise and care for all students until they are safely reunited with their families. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
1:25 PM Safety Update: Santa Teresa Middle School
Students at Santa Teresa Middle School are being evacuated by bus to a reunification location as a precaution. All students are safe.
Reunification will take place at the Sunland Park Sports Complex, located at 4700 McNutt Rd, Santa Teresa, NM 88008.
Parents and guardians must bring a valid ID to pick up their child. We kindly ask for your patience as staff and law enforcement work to ensure a safe and orderly reunification process.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
12:30 PM Safety Update: Santa Teresa Middle School
All safety holds and secure statuses have been lifted at the following campuses:
- Santa Teresa Elementary School
- Desert View Elementary School
- Santa Teresa High School
- Gadsden Administrative Complex
- Riverside Elementary School
- Riverside PreK
All campuses listed above have returned to normal operations.
Santa Teresa Middle School remains on a hold at this time. We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
We thank our families and community for their confidence, patience, and cooperation throughout today’s safety response. Your support allowed our staff to remain focused on student safety.
12:15 PM Safety Update: Santa Teresa Middle School
The Sunland Park Police Department and regional partners continue to investigate the situation at Santa Teresa Middle School. All students and staff remain safe. Out of an abundance of caution, the school is now beginning an evacuation process.
Nearby campuses remain under their current safety statuses with no changes at this time. We ask the public to continue avoiding the area of Santa Teresa Middle School to ensure emergency responders have clear access. We will provide updates on reunification and further details as they are confirmed.
11:15 AM Public Update: Santa Teresa Middle School
The Sunland Park Police Department and regional response partners are on-site at Santa Teresa Middle School investigating a reported threat. All students and staff are safe and the building has been evacuated as a precaution. In coordination with Gadsden ISD, several nearby campuses have also been placed on a precautionary safety status.
The public is asked to avoid the area of Santa Teresa Middle School and surrounding campuses to ensure emergency responders have clear access. Please do not call or travel to the schools at this time. We will provide updates as factual details are confirmed.