CHESTERLAND, Ohio — All West Geauga School District buildings were closed Tuesday after a high school student was arrested in possession of a firearm on campus.
According to an email sent to parents by West Geauga Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard Markwardt, the student was taken into custody with a gun and is currently being questioned by law enforcement as the investigation continues. Chester Township Police Chief Craig Young told 3News that the student who was arrested is 18 years old.
Students at the high school were dismissed for the remainder of the day out of an abundance of caution. There was an elevated police presence at the middle school behind the high school as classes remained ongoing.
In a follow-up letter to parents and guardians, Markwardt said the weapon was discovered thanks to "the vigilance of a student," who brought the matter to the attention of administrators, who proceeded to contact authorities. The middle school was initially placed in a shelter-in-place out of an abundance of caution.
While plans initially called for the high school to be reopened on Tuesday, the district later announced that all schools in the district would be closed for the day. In a letter sent to parents and guardians, Markwardt said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution following a report of a threatening statement that was rumored to be posted on Snapchat.
"The person who contacted me had not seen the rumored post. Her information was at best third-hand, but such rumors, even those that have been passed verbally among several individuals, cannot be ignored," Markwardt wrote.
"I immediately shared this information with an officer from the Chester Police Department whose officers will be investigating the reported rumor. Although the alleged post, which we have not seen, seemed to be directed toward the high school, I thought it best to close all schools until police have the opportunity to investigate the matter fully."
The suspect has been identified as Brandon Morrissette, of Lyndhurst. Chardon Municipal Court records show he is currently being charged with attempted aggravated murder, illegal possession of a deadly weapon in school, and inducing panic. The Geauga County Prosecutor's Office will likely have the final say on formal charges.
West Geauga Education Association President Dan Reich also released the following statement Tuesday:
"On Monday, April 3, 2023, a West Geauga High School student was taken into custody when a gun was found in his possession. The West Geauga Education Association and its teachers are grateful for the brave actions of the student who reported this concern as well as the quick response by students, staff, administration and law enforcement that prevented a tragedy in our district.
"Regrettably, our students, staff, and administration train for these kinds of situations regularly. The incident reminds us and the community of ongoing safety concerns for students and educators. Many things went right to stop a potential shooting. However, the experience also shows where we have room to improve. WGEA is taking seriously concerns raised by those involved and intends to work collaboratively with the district administration to refine our emergency plans and ensure solutions that work for everyone.
"Students and educators must feel safe in our schools in order to make them great and effective learning environments. We appreciate the district's, law enforcement's, and community's ongoing support as we prepare to welcome students back into our classrooms and move forward together."
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