Introduction to the Incident
A former employee of a Christian summer camp north of Houston was arrested on Sunday and charged with making threats against the camp, according to the Livingston Police Department. The camp, known as Camp Cho-Yeh, is located about 75 miles north of Houston in Livingston, Texas.
Details of the Arrest
Law enforcement will continue to patrol in and outside of the camp while the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the threats allegedly made by 23-year-old Mario Bernal. Bernal, a former employee of the camp, was arrested after his vehicle was spotted on South Washington Avenue on Sunday, just outside of the camp. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Polk County Jail on a terroristic threat charge.
Investigation and Charges
The police department secured an arrest warrant for Bernal while the police department and sheriff’s office secured a perimeter around the camp on Sunday. It wasn’t immediately clear what threats were made against the camp. The police department deferred questions about the investigation to the sheriff’s office, which did not immediately return a phone call and email seeking comment Monday.
Response from Authorities
“Threats to this community, especially involving our children, will always be taken seriously,” Livingston Police Department Chief Matt Parrish said in a statement. “I commend the quick and thorough investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the response by our officers.” As of Monday, Bernal was being held in jail on a $50,000 bond.
Conclusion
The arrest of Mario Bernal serves as a reminder that threats against any community, especially those involving children, are taken very seriously by law enforcement. The swift action taken by the Livingston Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office ensured the safety of the camp and its attendees. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for prompt action in response to potential threats.
