COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thursday classes are canceled for all students in the Logan-Hocking School District after a “suspicious” object was found inside Logan High School, prompting a response from law enforcement.
The object was found while high school students were holding a gathering Wednesday to voice concerns about mental health, according to the district.
The Logan Police Department, Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Logan Fire Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol were notified of a fire alarm that was pulled and the “suspicious package” at 10:56 a.m.
After authorities communicated with school administrators, the campus was evacuated.
When first responders arrived, they investigated and helped assist in the evacuation. The Columbus Division of Fire Bomb Squad was then called to the scene, according to a spokesperson from the Hocking County Health Department.
The object was reportedly made to look like an explosive device, which was later found to be fake. The district said classes are canceled so that law enforcement can thoroughly investigate the incident.
The district released a statement which said in part:
“We are listening to the concerns of our students. We will have counselors and staff members from Hopewell Health Centers available onsite on Thursday for those who need support. More information will be released this evening concerning times of the counseling sessions and when students can pick up their belongings.
The Logan-Hocking Local School District is committed to keeping our schools safe and secure, and we are taking this situation very seriously. We are conducting our own internal investigation and are working with local authorities to evaluate the situation to determine whether any additional actions are needed.”
Classes were dismissed for the day Wednesday following the incident and school activities were canceled district-wide. Updates on rescheduling will be forthcoming, according to the district.