Officials Anticipate New Information on Alleged Pine Tree Threats

LONGVIEW — More information is coming out and more is anticipated following alleged online terroristic threats by a Pine Tree student. Released on a $10,000 bond following his Monday arrest was Christopher Jones, 17. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Jones (pictured) allegedly made a threat planning a shooting at Pine Tree High School. School district spokesperson Mary Whitton said Thursday, “We believe in the next 48 hours more information will be forthcoming by law enforcement agencies which may be quite disturbing. The district will continue to work with law enforcement and assist as requested.”

Whitton continues, “Law enforcement officials will be available at Pine Tree High School for students who wish to speak with them regarding this incident.” She says parents of students will be notified prior to the law enforcement officials speaking with their children and that this is strictly a volunteer opportunity for the students. Whitton says all information that can be made public and not interfere or jeopardize the investigation will be provided to parents of students within the district.

“The district will continue to monitor all safety and security procedures to protect the students, staff and community,” added Whitton. “The district appreciates the law enforcement authorities for the priority given to this situation.” The district asks parents to take the opportunity to speak to their child about the importance of school safety. “While peer pressure is great at this age, we want to encourage students to feel comfortable reporting any information they may have that compromises their safety and the safety of others to a parent or adult,” explained Whitton. “Working together we can maintain an environment where students are free to focus on learning.”

The suspect’s parents, Chris Jones and Michelle Jones, are attorneys for the Jones and Jones law firm in Longview. The teen’s father is on the Education Foundation board for Pine Tree schools. Mr. Jones also served as facility advisory committee chairman for the district�s 2010 bond proposition and election. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the district at (903) 295-5000, according to Whitton.