Splendora High School teacher accused of injuring self in 'hoax' that prompted huge police response

SPLENDORA, Texas - A teacher is accused of injuring herself in a "hoax" that prompted around 100 law enforcement officers to respond to Splendora High School on Thursday morning.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office identified the teacher as 53-year-old Nicole Truelove, who they say will be charged with filing a false report and tampering with evidence. She was reportedly a first-year teacher at the school.

Investigation reveals alleged hoax

What we know:

According to the sheriff’s office, they received a panic alarm that was activated by a teacher around 8:45 a.m. and responded to the school with officers from several other law enforcement agencies.

When they arrived, officials say the school was already being placed on lockdown. The school notified parents that police were investigating a report of a "physical altercation" involving a student and a staff member.

The lockdown was changed to a secure hold around 9:50 a.m. as the investigation continued.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation revealed that a student did not assault the teacher, and her injuries were self-inflicted. Officials say the evidence supports that the incident was "a hoax". The sheriff’s office says a blade was found in her possession.

What we don't know:

The sheriff’s office did not reveal any details on the motivation behind the alleged hoax.

Student reunification

The district says students who wish to pick up their students may do so. 

"Parents will need to enter through Entrance A (the first entrance before the high school), turn left behind the high school, and stop near the cafeteria doors, curve around the loop behind the athletic practice fields, turn left on the bus loop, and exit Entrance F. You will need your identification to pick up your child. Please remain in your vehicle, and be patient as this will be a slow process," the district wrote in a letter to parents.

The district says counselors are also at the school.

Dozens of law enforcement swarm school

The sheriff's office says more than 80 officers were on scene within minutes of the panic alarm.

Officers from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Montgomery County Pct. 4 Constable's Office, the Texas Game Wardens, Splendora ISD, Splendora Police Department, New Caney ISD, the Liberty County Sheriff's Office, the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"This is what's supposed to happen when we have threats on school campuses. And that's what you see here today. That's why you see such a large law enforcement community here. We take it very seriously. And if it's going to be a hoax, if you're going to call in a hoax, we will hold you responsible for it," MCSO Assistant Chief Rick Bass said.

"While this is a very unfortunate incident, the safety and security measures that we have implemented worked flawlessly. Our staff and surrounding agencies train for these type of events, and I could not be more proud of the system in place. We understand that situations like this can be concerning, and we truly appreciate the patience and cooperation of our students, our staff, and of course, our parents and families while our emergency protocols were followed. The safety of our students and staff remains at the top of our priority," Superintendent Dr. Dustin Bromley said.