A man was arrested and charged with making threats against a school after he gained unauthorized entry into a Canutillo, Texas, elementary school campus on Wednesday afternoon. The incident at Jose H. Damian Elementary School prompted an immediate law enforcement response and a district-level investigation into the security breach.
The suspect, identified as Jeffrey Allen Battle, reportedly used aggressive language toward staff members after entering the building. While most students had already been dismissed for the day, children participating in an after-school program were still on campus at the time.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey Allen Battle was arrested and charged with making threats against a school after an incident at Jose H. Damian Elementary.
- The man entered the campus after regular school hours but while an after-school program was in session.
- No students or staff members were physically harmed during the event.
- Canutillo Independent School District is conducting an investigation to determine how the individual gained access to the school building.
Details of the Security Incident
The security event occurred on Wednesday, September 25, 2025, approximately one hour after the end of the regular school day at Jose H. Damian Elementary School. According to a letter sent to parents by Principal Maggie Castillo, an unauthorized individual entered the school building while students in the ACE program were still present.
The man, later identified as Jeffrey Allen Battle, confronted school employees and used aggressive language. This action immediately triggered the school's safety protocols. Officials confirmed that Battle did not make direct contact with any students.
Following the verbal confrontation, the individual left the school building and the property without causing any physical harm. The swift implementation of safety procedures ensured the situation did not escalate further within the school.
What is the ACE Program?
The Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program is a state-funded initiative in Texas that provides students with academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours. These programs often take place on school campuses, meaning students can be present in the building well after the final bell has rung.
Law Enforcement Response and Arrest
Immediately after the incident began, school officials contacted the Canutillo ISD Police Department. Officers responded quickly to the campus. Due to the nature of the event, Canutillo ISD Police requested assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) units that were stationed nearby.
The collaboration between the two law enforcement agencies led to the prompt location and apprehension of the suspect. According to officials, Texas DPS officers took Jeffrey Allen Battle into custody a short time after he left the school grounds.
Charges Filed
Jeffrey Allen Battle faces several charges, including the specific offense of making threats against a school. He remains in custody, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is handling the ongoing criminal case.
The multi-agency response highlights the coordinated security efforts in place for incidents involving school campuses. The presence of nearby state troopers was crucial in ensuring the suspect was quickly detained.
School District's Actions and Communication
In the aftermath of the event, Canutillo ISD has taken several steps to address the security breach and support the school community. The district has launched its own internal investigation to understand how Battle was able to enter the school building.
Principal Maggie Castillo communicated directly with parents through a formal letter, providing a transparent account of what occurred. In the letter, she reassured families of the district's commitment to safety.
"We take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously, and we will continue working diligently to determine additional steps to further protect our schools," Castillo wrote in the communication to parents.
The principal also confirmed that while students were not believed to be directly affected, support services would be made available. "Counselors will be available for any student or staff member who may need support," the letter stated, acknowledging the potential emotional impact of such an incident.
Focus on Campus Security Protocols
The district's investigation will focus on reviewing access points, visitor check-in procedures, and the physical security of the campus perimeter. The goal is to identify any vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the unauthorized entry.
School districts across the country regularly review and update their safety protocols. These reviews often include:
- Access Control: Ensuring all exterior doors are locked and visitors must enter through a single, monitored point.
- Visitor Management Systems: Requiring all visitors to sign in and provide identification.
- Staff Training: Regular drills and training for staff on how to respond to various emergency situations, including unauthorized individuals on campus.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Maintaining strong partnerships with local and state police to ensure rapid and coordinated responses.
The outcome of Canutillo ISD's investigation is expected to inform potential enhancements to security measures not only at Damian Elementary but possibly across all schools within the district. The district has pledged to keep parents informed as it works to strengthen its safety protocols.