One student has been detained by police after Delphos Jefferson High School went into lock down.
The school was locked down for nearly two hours as school officials got word that there may be guns in the building. They heard a home in Delphos was robbed of two guns and that students may know where the guns are. Some students were interviewed, the rest were dismissed at 1:15 because police said they could search the building better if it was empty. Police later found the guns in two separate locations but not on school grounds.
"So we, of course, interviewed our students, called local law enforcement, went to lockdown to make sure that everything was safe and secure," said Doug Westrick, superintendent. "The police then took over the investigation. It was later discovered the guns were recovered off campus."
Westrick says this is still under investigation. Authorities are still trying to find out if the student stole the guns from its owners.
UPDATE: The Delphos Police have sent out a press release with more information.
City Police were called to the Delphos Jefferson High School regarding rumors that had circulated to the School Staff, that a stolen handgun was possibly hidden on the school grounds. The report indicated that this weapon maybe used to facilitate a shooting at the school.
The school administration went into an immediate “LOCK DOWN” situation to protect all students. The City Police were called and they assisted in speaking to several students that may have information regarding this current situation. The classes were dismissed for the day, as police continued to work with the School Faculty in resolving this investigation.
A short time later, Investigator’s arrested a 14 year old student at the School, on a charge of Inducing Panic a Felony of the 2nd degree. The youth was transported from the school to the Delphos Police Department. Contact was made with the juvenile parents regarding his arrest.
The juvenile will be taken to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office pending his commitment to the Troy Ohio Detention Facility. A detention hearing will be held tomorrow afternoon at the Detention Facility. No time is yet available.
Investigators indicate the (2) stolen hand guns from a recent home burglary in Delphos, have been recovered by City Police. The stolen guns and other evidence were not found on School Property.
Criminal Charges will be considered against the youth in connection with the actual Burglary & Theft of the Firearms. The guns have now been positively identified by the burglary victim.
The Van Wert Juvenile Prosecutors Office will review this case to determine if any other student(s) will face criminal charges in connection with this investigation.
City Police would like to commend the Faculty and Administration of the Delphos Jefferson High School. The School Staff responded very quickly to ensure that your children would be protected at all costs. We understand the inconvenience these situations can cause, but we are glad everyone is safe. Thank you to all who may have assisted in any way at the School.
No more information is available as the investigation continues.
