WHITEHALL, Ohio — Whitehall-Yearling High School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after receiving what school district officials called a prank phone call about a situation at the school involving a gun.
A spokesperson for Whitehall City Schools said after receiving the call Thursday morning, the high school administration "acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all students and staff."
The district said a level 3 lockdown was ordered and some classes were evacuated.
Whitehall police conducted an investigation and search of the property. Officers found no credible threat and the school returned to its regular class schedule.
Around the same time of the lockdown, there were reports of gunshots in the area. The district said police determined that no shots were fired and the sound was from a car backfiring while someone was doing auto work nearby.
According to a letter sent out to Whitehall City Schools families, Superintendent Sharee Wells said almost every family chose to pick up their students early and the school proceeded to end the day early.
The letter states there will be a two-hour delay on Friday with classes beginning at 10:30 a.m. During the delay, counselors will be available for support to students and families. The school will also be holding two town hall meetings on Friday at the high school to address concerns and provide more details about the incident. The meetings are at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
"We want to thank the Whitehall Police Department for their prompt response and thorough investigation," a district spokesperson said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. "The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities, and we are committed to maintaining a secure learning environment.
Whitehall police continue to investigate the threat and said charges will be filed once the suspect is identified.
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