Bobby Black arrested after school threat investigation in England

Bobby Black was arrested in England following a reported school threat investigation, the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office said. The arrest occurred after investigators looked into threats made against the local school district.

Authorities received information around 9 p.m. Thursday regarding a threat involving a school in the district. The sheriff’s office launched an investigation immediately.

The England Police Department assisted with the case. The Lonoke Police Department and a school resource officer also provided help. Investigators determined the incident stemmed from a social media dispute between juveniles.

One juvenile enlisted an older cousin to make threatening prank phone calls, authorities said. Investigators then identified Black, 24, of North Little Rock. He was arrested following the inquiry.

Black is expected to face a charge of threatening to commit an act of mass violence on school property. He is being held at the Lonoke County Detention Center without bond. He is awaiting a first court appearance.

Sheriff John Staley said the incident was isolated. There is no current threat to students or school staff, Staley said.

“The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office and school officials take all threats seriously and maintain zero tolerance for threats against our schools, including those intended as pranks,” Staley said in a statement.

County detention centers hold individuals who are awaiting initial hearings before a judge. Law enforcement agencies in England frequently coordinate with county officials on regional safety matters.

The investigation remains ongoing.