FINDLAY, OH (WLIO) - Findlay High School was on level 3 lockdown situation this morning after a hoax call stated that a man with an AR-15 rifle was holding two students hostage in the 2nd-floor restroom.
The Findlay Police Department went to the high school around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and found that no one in the school was aware of what the caller had stated. The school was advised to initiate a lockdown and shelter in place as police went from room to room, sweeping the building. The roads around the high school were all blocked off during the sweep. Law enforcement found nothing and determined the call was a hoax.
The students reported to class to resume the school day, but some parents came and signed out their students for the rest of the day. The incident remains under investigation.
April 16, 2024, Press Release from Findlay City Schools: The Findlay Police Department received a phone call about a potential threat at Findlay High School, immediately arrived on the scene, and within moments of their arrival, our SafeDefend system was activated.
FHS went into an instant Level 3 Lockdown as our safety planning and training took effect, more law enforcement arrived within minutes, and a thorough sweep of Findlay High School and Millstream Career Center ensued. While the potential threat turned out to be a hoax, or swatting call, the SafeDefend system worked exactly as it is designed, allowing for near immediate communication with first responders. We are grateful to the Findlay Police Department, Findlay Fire Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and our security team for their coordinated efforts to keep our students and staff safe.
Once the school district received the all clear from the police, we asked all students to report to their third period class so that we could take attendance and ensure student safety. While we did allow students to sign out for the day, we did not close school for the remainder of the day so that we could support and care for students who needed time to process.
Dr. Hatton, FCS Superintendent, states: “It is sad and frustrating that we live in a time where such hoaxes impact children. These hoaxes threaten the well-being of our students, staff, and families, and disrupt learning. We are grateful to our local law enforcement for their quick action.”
April 16, 2024, Press Release from the Findlay Police Department: An unknown male caller made a call into Findlay Police Department Dispatch Center. The caller advised that he was at Findlay High School in a 2nd floor restroom. He stated he had an AR-15 style rifle and that he was holding two students hostage.
Officers from the Findlay Police Department responded to the high school. Upon arrival there were numerous students outside of the school. None of the students were aware of anything like what the caller stated. Officers entered the school to find that no one inside was aware of a man with a gun situation. The school was advised to initiate a lock down and shelter in place. The FHS Safe-Defend system was activated after Officers arrival.
Findlay Police Department Officers, with the assistance of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol checked the entire building. After a secondary search was completed with nothing suspicious being located, the initial call was determined to be a hoax. The lock down was lifted and students were advised to report to their next class for attendance.
This matter is under investigation at this time.
The Findlay Police Department would like to thank the Hancock County Sheriff's Office , the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Findlay Fire Department, the City of Findlay Public Works departments, and Findlay City Schools Administration and Faculty.
Edit note: The article has been updated as more information has been released.
