Ohio School Safety News

6/2/24 - 'It seemed like a war zone': 26 shot, 1 dead in street party shooting in Akron - A street party in Akron on Saturday night turned deadly, leaving 27 people injured by gunfire, including a 27-year-old man who is dead and two people who are in critical condition.

5/18/24 - Cincinnati high school graduate was fatally shot the day after his graduation - CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A high school graduate was shot and killed the morning after his graduation.

5/14/24 - Ohio ranks in the top five for most school shooting incidents in the past decade - COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio joins California, Texas, Florida and Illinois on the top five list for most gun incidents seen in about a decade at schools, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database.

3/21/24 - East Broadway Elementary student arrested after allegedly bringing gun to school - TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - An East Broadway Elementary student was arrested and will be facing severe disciplinary action after bringing a gun to the school, according to Toledo Public Schools officials.

3/13/24 - Perry High School student caught with gun at school - MASSILLON, Ohio (WJW) — Township police officers confiscated a firearm from a Perry High School student on Wednesday morning.

2/22/24 - Student brings gun to Euclid Middle School, officials say - EUCLID, Ohio (WOIO) - A Euclid Middle School student brought a gun to school on Wednesday, according to Euclid Schools Superintendent Chris Papouras.

2/20/24 - Juvenile in custody after making threat that closes Wooster schools - WOOSTER, Ohio (WOIO) - A juvenile has been arrested in Wooster following a threat made against the high school that led the system to cancel class Tuesday.

2/13/24 - Teachers union sounds alarm after two weapons brought into Youngstown schools - The teachers' union in Youngstown is sounding an alarm after weapons were brought into schools two times within five days.

2/8/24 - 11-year-old Youngstown student with loaded gun set for preliminary hearing; will remain in JJC - A message was sent to East Middle School parents that stated this morning, the district learned that a student might have a weapon.

2/8/24 - 14-year-old arrested for 'credible plot' to harm students at Mariemont school - CINCINNATI —A 14-year-old has been arrested after an investigation revealed the student had a "credible plot to harm students and staff," according to police and school officials.

1/23/24 - Police stop suspect caught entering local high school with weapon - COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A person is in custody after entering a north Columbus high school while carrying a knife on Tuesday morning.

1/9/24 - Family gives update on Colerain High School teacher allegedly attacked by student - COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) - A Colerain High School teacher is awake after undergoing a major brain surgery after an alleged attack by a student.

1/4/24 - Loaded gun found in student's locker at Harrison Twp. school - A student was arrested Thursday after a loaded gun was found inside the student’s locker at the North Dayton School of Discovery in Harrison Twp.

12/10/23 - Several central Ohio schools increasing security Monday due to emailed threats - Other school districts throughout the state and the country have reportedly received similar messages.

12/10/23 - Akron police arrest armed teen during fight outside of high school - AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - The Akron Police Department released its bodycam footage detailing the arrest of an armed teenager during a fight outside of a high school earlier this month.

11/15/23 - Shaker Heights student brings gun to school, causes early dismissal - SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WOIO) - A Shaker Heights High School student brought an unloaded gun to school Wednesday, according to a message sent to families around 1:39 p.m.

11/8/23 - Threat prompts Bucyrus City Schools to cancel classes for Wednesday - BUCYRUS, Ohio — Bucyrus City Schools canceled classes on Wednesday after the district's superintendent said a bomb threat was made toward the schools.

11/8/23 - Colerain High School is one of several schools targeted in Tri-State swatting incident - COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) - Colerain High School went into lockdown Wednesday morning due to a false threat, according to Northwest Local School District.

11/5/23 - Teen arrested after bringing gun to local high school football game - CENTERVILLE — A 17-year-old was arrested Friday night after police said the teen was armed with a gun at a high school football game in Centerville.

11/3/23 - Mansfield schools administrators cancel class, move football game after multiple threats - CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Mansfield school administrators canceled classes Friday after threats were made regarding the school and football game Friday night.

11/2/23 - Suspect arrested following shooting near Washington Elementary School in Lorain - LORAIN, Ohio — A suspect is in custody following a shooting that forced multiple Lorain City Schools to go on lockdown Thursday afternoon.

10/31/23 - Ohio 8-year-old brought loaded gun to school - LOWELLVILLE, Ohio (WKBN) – Lowellville police are investigating after an 8-year-old student reportedly brought a loaded gun to school.

10/13/23 - 15-year-old shot near Cleveland Catholic school - CLEVELAND (WJW) — Officials said a 15-year-old boy was seriously injured in a Friday afternoon shooting near Cleveland Central Catholic High School.

8/30/23 - Increased police presence at Strongsville schools - STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (WJW) – Strongsville police have increased their presence at both the Strongsville City High School and Middle School after a threat was made on social media.

8/19/23 - 3 arrested, guns recovered following fight at high school football game near Columbus - CANAL WINCHESTER — Three people were arrested, and guns were recovered following a fight at a high school football game near Columbus Friday night.

7/21/23 - NE Ohio high school student recognized for role in preventing school shooting - GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) — A West Geauga High School student, who helped prevent a mass shooting at his school in April, will soon receive an award from Ohio Governor Mike Dewine. 

5/19/23 - Man arrested for making shooting threats to Findlay elementary school - FINDLAY, Ohio — A person suspected of threatening a shooting at Jefferson Primary School in Findlay was arrested Friday afternoon, according to the Findlay Police Department.

5/16/23 - Boy, 12, injured in shooting near west Columbus elementary school - COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A 12-year-old boy was injured after a shooting near the Eakin Elementary School parking lot Tuesday afternoon.

5/15/23 - Woman convicted of firing gun on Toledo elementary school property - TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A woman who fired on a gun on a Toledo elementary school property was convicted last week.

5/2/23 - Orange High School put on lockdown after finding bullet, gun - PEPPER PIKE, Ohio (WOIO) - Orange High School was placed on lockdown Tuesday after a bullet was found in the cafeteria, according to the school district.

4/19/23 - Parent attacks 2 principals at Elyria school with mace, officials say - LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - The principal and assistant principal at an Elyria elementary school were sprayed with mace by an angry parent Tuesday morning, school officials said.

4/6/23 - Officials credit vigilant Ohio high school student for preventing potential shooting - Local officials in Ohio are commending the quick thinking of a high school student who they say potentially averted a school shooting.

3/14/23 - Lockdown lifted for Hubbard School District, police still investigating threat - At this time, it is not clear what the threats are related to and police say they are still working to determine who made the threats and if they are credible.

3/10/23 - New Philadelphia High student disciplined after bringing knife, fake cap gun to school - NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ A New Philadelphia High student has been suspended for 10 days after bringing a weapon to school on Thursday morning.

3/7/23 - Student charged after gun, loaded magazines found inside Columbus middle school - COLUMBUS, Ohio — An 11-year-old boy was arrested after police say he admitted to bringing a gun he found to a Columbus middle school in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood on Monday. 

3/7/23 - Safety concerns grow after 12th weapon found at CCS school this year - COLUMBUS, Ohio — Safety concerns are growing after police said an 11-year-old Columbus City Schools student was arrested for bringing a loaded magazine and a gun to a middle school on Monday.

2/20/23 - 16-year-old Taft High School student killed in weekend shooting - CINCINNATI — According to Cincinnati Public Schools, the 16-year-old boy who was killed in a shooting in Westwood this weekend was a student at Taft High School.

2/13/23 - St. Ignatius High School closed Monday because of threat - CLEVELAND, Ohio – St. Ignatius High School closed Monday because of an online threat.

2/10/23 - Student brings gun to Princeton Community Middle School - CINCINNATI (WXIX) - A Princeton Community Middle School student is accused of bringing a gun to school Friday morning, Principal Dave Mackzum confirmed.

1/28/23 - Police respond to reports of gun at a Westerville HS - COLUMBUS, Ohio — Officers from the Westerville Police Department responded to a report of a gun at a high school in Westerville Friday night.

1/27/23 - Ohio teen arrested in connection with school threats in Hobart, Portage, Valparaiso - Valparaiso police thanked FBI, US Secret Service in investigation

1/26/23 - Detectives investigate 'violent threat' against Fairfield Union High School - LANCASTER, Ohio — Fairfield Union Local Schools will be closed Thursday due to violent threats made toward the schools overnight.

1/24/23 - Gun found at school; tipster and staff were key to quick resolution - The weapon and the student, a 16-year-old male, were quickly secured, as were other individuals who might have had knowledge of the weapon’s presence on campus.

1/23/23 - Police find loaded gun in 16-year-old’s locker at London High School - LONDON, Ohio — A teen  has been charged after authorities say they found a loaded handgun inside his locker at London High School last week.

1/9/23 - Two teens charged with posting threats to Hilliard Davidson High School - HILLIARD, Ohio — Two 15-year-old Hilliard students are now facing charges after allegedly posting threatening messages to social media.

1/4/23 - Franklin City school evacuated after perceived threat; all clear, authorities confirm - FRANKLIN (WXIX) - Franklin police and fire departments responded to a threat at Franklin High School Wednesday morning.

12/29/22 - 'We have had ENOUGH!': Akron teachers ready to strike amid violence in schools - The Akron Education Association has notified APS they have 10 more days for negotiation. Their contract expired in June.

12/17/22 - Cleveland High School shooting was not a random act, police say - Detectives are confirming that the shooting was not a random act. At this time suspects have been identified but no arrests have been made, police said.

12/12/22 - Photo of Ohio student holding gun near school found on social media - Streetsboro, Ohio (WJW) — A photo of a Streetsboro City Schools student that looks like a person holding a gun near the school was found on social media Sunday, according to a post on the Streetsboro Police Department Facebook page.

12/11/22 - Little Miami Schools to see increased police presence following threats of violence - Students and families at Little Miami Schools will see an increased police presence on Monday after two threats of violence were reported at the middle school last week.

12/10/22 - 17-year-old student arrested after bringing loaded gun to Akron school while attending sporting event - AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - Akron police arrested a 17-year-old senior on Friday after he was caught with a loaded handgun inside the school before a sporting event.

12/7/22 - Old Fort High School student arrested after bringing gun to school - TIFFIN, Ohio (WTVG) - An Old Fort High School student was arrested after officials say the student brought a gun to school on Tuesday.

12/6/22 - Bedford schools close due to threat - BEDFORD, Ohio (WJW) — All Bedford city schools are closed on Tuesday due to a threat.

12/5/22 - Security concerns at Akron Public Schools continue after 7th-grader found with gun, locking down 2 buildings - AKRON, Ohio — Officials confirm two Akron Public Schools were briefly locked down Monday afternoon after a student brought a gun into one of the buildings.

12/5/22 - Student in custody after social media threat targeting Little Miami school - MORROW, Ohio — A student was taken into custody after school officials were made aware of a possible threat directed at Little Miami Middle School Sunday.

12/5/22 - Gun found in 7th grader’s fanny pack at Akron school - AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - Two Akron schools were locked down after a student was found with a gun Monday.

12/4/22 - Monroe Middle School student confesses to bomb threat hoax - Monroe Police say a 13-year-old girl, who is a student at Monroe Middle School, allegedly admitted responsibility for a bomb threat hoax to officers this past Friday.

12/1/22 - Teen facing felony charges after bringing loaded gun to Hamilton school, officials say - HAMILTON, Ohio — A Hamilton High School 16-year-old student was taken into custody Wednesday after bringing a gun to school, officials said.

11/21/22 - Centerville man arrested for making online threats to commit school shooting - DAYTON, Ohio – FBI agents have arrested a Centerville, Ohio, man on federal charges related to online threats to commit a mass shooting at a California school.

11/16/22 - False active shooter reports lead to school lockdowns in Toledo, Findlay, Lima, other Ohio cities - FINDLAY, Ohio (WTVG) - False reports of active shooters at several area schools led administrators to initiate temporary lockdowns on Wednesday, prompting large police responses at schools in Toledo, Findlay, Lima, and other cities in Ohio. Start High School in Toledo, Liberty-Benton in Findlay, and Lima Temple Christian School are just some of those affected.

11/16/22 - Sheriff: Reported shooting at Franklin Heights High School deemed false - COLUMBUS, Ohio — A false report of a shooting at Franklin Heights High School led to a heavy law enforcement response Wednesday morning, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

11/9/22 - 2 Cincinnati public schools receive social media, text threats in apparent 'swatting incidents' - CINCINNATI — Two Cincinnati Public Schools are dealing with "swatting" situations, Cincinnati Public Schools spokesperson Janine De Iorio said.

11/8/22 - Police evacuate Summit County school due to bomb threat - SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - An elementary school was evacuated Tuesday morning after officials received a bomb threat over voicemail.

11/4/22 - Student stabbed in fight at Firestone High School suffered 'non-life threatening' injuries - A 16-year-old Firestone High School student was taken to Akron Children's Hospital for non-life threatening injuries Friday after being stabbed by another student during a bathroom altercation, according to Akron police.

11/3/22 - 2 students found with guns at Horizon Science Academy in Harrison Twp. - A student at Horizon Science Academy - Dayton High School alerted staff around noon of a firearm on school property, at 250 Shoup Mill Road, according to a release from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

11/2/22 - Police give all clear after false shooting threat at Pleasant Run Middle School - CINCINNATI —Police have given the all-clear after a false report of an active shooter at Pleasant Run Middle School prompted a district-wide lockdown.

10/30/22 - Middletown High School receives false violent threat, school officials say - MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WXIX) - Middletown High School received a false violent threat Sunday evening, which provoked a heavy police presence at the school, according to Middletown district officials.

10/25/22 - 17-year-old student had loaded gun at South High School - COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 17-year-old student at South High School is charged with bringing a gun to school on Monday.

10/16/22 - Police investigating threat made towards school district in Cuyahoga County, officials say - GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio (WOIO) - Police have begun investigations on Oct. 16 into a threat made towards the Garfield Heights City Schools, according to district officials.

10/11/22 - Loaded gun found at Summit County school - SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - One student is in custody after allegedly bringing a loaded gun to the SOAR School Tuesday.

10/11/22 - Juvenile arrested for threat at Pickerington schools - PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) – A situation on Tuesday prompted lockdowns at two Pickerington schools, according to the area school district, and resulted in the arrest of a juvenile suspect.

10/11/22 - Ohio boy brings loaded gun to school: police - COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after Columbus police said he brought a loaded handgun with an extended magazine to a southeast Columbus school Monday.

10/8/22 - 3 hurt in shooting outside Ohio high school football stadium - TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Police in Ohio said three people were wounded in a shooting outside a high school football game that sent people on the field and spectators in the stands running for cover.

10/4/22 - Records show hundreds of violent incidents, guns found at Columbus schools since 2019 - COLUMBUS, Ohio — Since the start of the school year this fall, three guns have been recovered from students at Columbus City Schools.

9/23/22 - False calls of shooting threats hit schools in several Ohio cities, including Cincinnati area - Police agencies across Ohio responded to false reports of a shooting threat on Friday.

9/23/22 - Hoax active shooter call forces Licking Valley students to evacuate - Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp said the active shooter call at Licking Valley Local Schools appears to be linked with other hoax calls across the state on Friday.

9/23/22 - Teen arrested on gun charges at high school football game - WILLARD, Ohio (WJW) — A student has been charged with having a deadly weapon in a school safety zone during a high school football game in Sandusky County on Sept. 16.

9/20/22 - 2 students found with loaded handguns at East, Whetstone high schools - COLUMBUS, Ohio — Students at two Columbus high schools were arrested Tuesday after police said they were found carrying a loaded gun in their backpacks.

9/12/22 - Student accused of making threat to Youngstown school - YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A 16-year-old boy was booked into the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center on a charge of inducing panic for threatening to shoot up a school.

9/9/22 - Police: West Union Jr/Sr High School closed due to school shooting threat - ADAMS COUNTY, Ohio — West Union Jr/Sr High School students will have remote learning Friday due to a school shooting threat, investigators said.

9/1/22 - ‘Threat of violence’ closes Lockland schools Thursday - LOCKLAND, Ohio (WXIX) - Lockland Local Schools are shut down Thursday due to “a threat of violence,” the district said in a Facebook post.

8/31/22 - Police: Student brought unloaded gun to Grove City elementary school - GROVE CITY, Ohio — The Grove City Division of Police is investigating after a student at Monterey Elementary School brought a gun to school Wednesday.

8/29/22 - An attack on a Vinton County High School freshman leaves family with questions for the district - VINTON COUNTY, Ohio (WOUB) – A freshman at Vinton County High School was treated for a concussion and other minor injuries after an attack by a fellow student during lunch on the fifth day of classes, leaving her father with a lot of questions for the school administration. 

11/14/21 - Akron Public Schools should work on violence prevention, expel kids who attack staff - The return to in-person classes amid the COVID pandemic has been welcome. But some young people are out of control, as reports of fights, guns and assaults on teachers have risen.

11/12/21 - Diamond Oaks clarifies confusion over lockdown, reports of threats - CINCINNATI  — Diamond Oaks Career Campus is clarifying confusion after reports of potential threats of violence on campus Friday morning.

11/8/21 - Threat to another Harrison High School puts local parents, students on edge - HARRISON, Ohio (WKRC) - A threat made to a Harrison High School put many local parents and students on edge over the weekend, but that was made to a school in Indiana.

11/4/21 - 16-year-old East High School student dies after northeast Columbus shooting - COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 16-year-old Columbus City Schools student has died following a shooting in northeast Columbus Thursday night.  The shooting happened in the 2200 block of Willamont Avenue just before 9 p.m., according to Columbus police.  The victim, later identified as Rycheous McKinney, was found suffering from a gunshot wound at the scene. He was taken to Grant Medical Center and pronounced dead at 9:32 p.m., police said.