On Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Big Sandy Police Department received a report of a threat made against the Big Sandy Schools. Officers promptly responded and spoke with staff to gather more details. It was confirmed that a threat had been made against the schools.
Chief David Easterling deployed patrol officers to the schools and requested additional support from law enforcement agencies in Upshur County. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Upshur County Sheriff's Office provided extra units for school security. These officers remained at the school from noon until dismissal and continued their presence at the football game that evening.
Chief Easterling and Officer Aaron Bradley of the Big Sandy Police Department began investigating to identify and locate the individual responsible for the threat. By September 9, 2024, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the suspect was identified as Christopher Dwayne McAnally Jr., 19, of Gilmer, Texas, who had previously attended Big Sandy Schools.
At approximately 2:30 PM on September 9th, an arrest warrant was executed at a residence in Upshur County. McAnally was taken into custody without incident by the Big Sandy Police Department, with support from the Upshur County Sheriff's Office. He is currently held in the Upshur County Jail on multiple felony charges with a bond set at $50,000.
The Big Sandy Police Department extends its thanks to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Upshur County Sheriff's Office, and the Upshur County District Attorney's Office for their assistance. The department also appreciates the patience of Big Sandy students' parents during the investigation. With McAnally in custody, authorities believe there is no longer a threat to the schools. The investigation remains ongoing.
