NORWALK, Ohio — *EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from a previous story.
Norwalk police confirm they have been investigating two separate incidents of students threatening to use firearms at the city's middle and high schools.
The incidents both took place within days of each other and resulted in two individuals being suspended and one getting arrested. In a Facebook post late Monday afternoon, the department said it "believe[s] there is no threat regarding either of these incidents" that could endanger those in either building.
The investigation began last Thursday, when a middle school student claimed to have heard a classmate talking about firing a gun inside the building. The student accused of making the comments was immediately suspended, but the inquiry continued due to rumors of the person having a "hit-list" against people they wanted to harm. The existence of such a list could not be verified, "and it is believed to be the result of rumor and allegations which have again and again been repeated and changed with each repetition."
While the "hit-list" was an unproven allegation, a Facebook post about it led to more allegations Sunday night about a Norwalk High student who made their own posts about a school shooting. Officers went into the school and arrested the individual, and the suspect is currently in detention while awaiting a hearing in Huron County juvenile court.
These are just the latest in a series shooting threats at school districts across Northeast Ohio. Just in the last week, there have been investigations at Berea-Midpark, Elyria, Mogadore, and Stow-Munroe Falls. Thankfully, none of those areas saw acts of violence.
"The safety of our students is our number one priority," Norwalk police wrote. "Any and all complaints involving threats to children or schools will be thoroughly and aggressively investigated."