SAN ANTONIO – In a significant development, the North East Independent School District (NEISD) has taken decisive action by firing two police sergeants and disciplining three other officers. This decision comes in the wake of a problematic response to a threat against Serna Elementary School that occurred earlier this year.
On August 28, Sgt. Moses Suarez was made aware of a potential threat to the school but failed to escalate it or act promptly according to the district’s procedures. As a result, he has been terminated from his position. Suarez has since filed a grievance challenging his dismissal, indicating that he disputes the reasons for his termination.
Another sergeant, Reyes Bermea, was also fired for not taking appropriate actions regarding the threat while on duty that weekend. The NEISD is taking this matter seriously, reflecting their commitment to the safety of students and staff.
In addition to the firings, three other officers were disciplined. Sgt. George Teniente, Det. Leticia Sanchez, and Officer Michael Luna each received three-day suspensions and reprimands for their roles in the inadequate response to the threat. These actions underscore the importance of accountability within law enforcement, especially in schools.
The incident traces back to a concerning message allegedly written by Nathaniel Carrasco, 23, in an AI chat on August 11. The San Antonio Police Department’s Fusion Center alerted the district police about the threat on August 28. Carrasco was taken into custody the following day on a felony warrant for making a terroristic threat that caused public fear, and he remains in jail as of now.
This situation highlights the critical nature of effective communication and swift action in ensuring the safety of students in schools. NEISD’s response demonstrates their commitment to creating a safe educational environment and ensuring that all personnel are held accountable for their actions. As the community continues to grapple with the implications of this incident, the focus remains on improving safety protocols and fostering trust between law enforcement and the schools they serve.
