March 25, 2025

Bryan Residents on Edge After Track Meet Incident

News Summary

During the Fourth Grade Track Meet at Merrill Green Stadium in Bryan, a man was arrested for making terroristic threats. Fortunately, law enforcement’s quick response ensured the safety of all attendees, as no injuries were reported. The community is grateful for the swift actions taken to restore safety during the unsettling incident.

Bryan Shaken Yet Safe After Disturbing Incident at Fourth Grade Track Meet

In the city of Bryan, residents were left on edge during the annual Fourth Grade Track Meet held at the Merrill Green Stadium on March 21, 2025. What was meant to be a delightful day filled with fun, laughter, and healthy competition turned into a scene of confusion as a man was arrested for making terroristic threats amidst the festivities.

Turning a Cheerful Event Upside Down

The man at the center of this alarming event is 29-year-old John Villalpando, a Bryan resident. According to reports, he was overheard verbally threatening to shoot several bystanders at the lively gathering. Yes, you read that right, a threatening remark right during a children’s sports event—completely out of line and rather shocking to those present.

However, the timely actions of the Bryan Police Department should be commended. The campus School Resource Officers acted swiftly, locating and detaining Villalpando before anyone could suffer any harm. Luckily, he was not found with any weapons at the time of his arrest, which is a small relief given the unsettling situation.

Charges Filed and a Troubled Past

Villalpando’s actions led to his immediate arrest, where he was charged with three counts of making a terroristic threat causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Despite the scary circumstances, there were thankfully no reports of injuries, and the incident did not disrupt the ongoing activities related to Bryan ISD. All students, families, and staff reported being safe and secure thanks to the prompt intervention by law enforcement.

This incident is far from Villalpando’s first run-in with the law. In fact, this marks his 13th booking in the Brazos County jail, with previous arrests dating back to 2013. Just days before the track meet, on March 18, 2025, he had been arrested for operating a vehicle without insurance. After posting bond, he was released but evidently could not stay out of trouble for long. Additionally, he was on probation for a felony-related incident involving evading arrest from June 2017.

Community Reassurance and Safety Measures

The Bryan Independent School District (ISD) released an official statement following this disconcerting event, emphasizing their partnership with the Bryan Police Department. They reassured students and families that their safety is a top priority, encouraging anyone with safety concerns to utilize their B-Safe App. This application allows parents, students, and community members to report safety issues directly, ensuring that all voices in the community can be heard.

The district expressed gratitude towards the School Resource Officers whose quick response helped mitigate what could have been a far worse situation. Families in attendance were able to remain focused on the competition instead of the distressing threats that transpired.

The Road Ahead

Though the Fourth Grade Track Meet took an unexpected turn, the Bryan community showed strength and resilience. Events like this usually celebrate unity and enthusiasm, reminding everyone of the significance of coming together. Thanks to the swift actions of law enforcement and the cooperation of the community, there is hope that future events can proceed without incident.

As much as this unusual occurrence rattled nerves, events like these usually strengthen the resolve of communities and highlight the importance of vigilance and communication in keeping everyone safe.

Let’s send our positive vibes to all involved in the track meet and hope for a swift return to the elements of joy and excitement that events like these typically bring to the community!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Bryan City Council Announces Major Developments
New Traffic Rules and School Event Disturbance in Bryan
Bryan City Council Approves Major Infrastructure Overhaul
Bryan Residents Breathe a Sigh of Relief After Track Meet Incident
Texas A&M Faculty Senate Discusses Student-Athletes and Local Incidents
Concerns Addressed by College Station Councilman David White
Bryan City Council Plans for Community Growth
Texas A&M Student Sues Student Senate Over Governance Issues
Brazos County Commission Meeting: Concerns and Celebrations
Brazos County Commissioners Delay $54.5 Million Contracts

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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