Threats lead to lockdown at Marcellus High School (updated)

Update: Onondaga County sheriff’s deputies on Oct. 10 arrested a 17-year-old Marcellus High School student in connection with the false threats received by emergency dispatchers earlier that day. The student was later arraigned in Marcellus Town Court on two counts of falsely reporting an incident.

Original post:
Marcellus High School initiated lockdown procedures for nearly three hours Wednesday in response to reports of possible threats against students. Law enforcement officials declared the threats unsubstantiated, and students resumed classes around lunchtime.

At 8:18 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, Onondaga County emergency dispatchers received an anonymous report that a Marcellus High School student had brought a gun to school and planned to harm other students. School and district officials were then notified and implemented immediate lockdown procedures at the high school during the first class period.

During a lockdown, staff and students are instructed to remain in their classrooms with the doors locked.

Law enforcement officials from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police and Marcellus Village Police entered the school and searched for the student named by the anonymous caller. They eventually discovered the student had reported to school, but felt ill and was released to a parent.

When questioned at home by authorities, the student claimed to have no knowledge of the 911 call. He was later taken to the Criminal Justice Center for questioning.

During the lockdown, school officials received a second anonymous threat, indicating the same student had planted a bomb in a school building. The high school implemented its procedures for non-specific bomb threats, which included notifying officials at K.C. Heffernan Elementary and C.S. Driver Middle schools. All three building response teams made visual sweeps of their schools.

Multiple K-9 units from the sheriff’s department and state police then searched and cleared the high school’s common areas, to which all students were then evacuated, so school administrators and law enforcement authorities could search room by room for suspicious objects. None was found, and law enforcement officials declared the building clear.

School officials lifted the lockdown at 11:12 a.m., and students returned to classes (or lunch) in the fifth period.

Law enforcement and school officials are jointly investigating the unsubstantiated threats, and the Marcellus Central School District will prosecute to the fullest extent possible under the law, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig J. Tice said.

“The district takes any threat seriously and has policies in place to safeguard the health and safety of its students and school personnel,” Dr. Tice said. “We understand today’s events were stressful and appreciate the patience shown by parents, as well as the willingness of students and staff to follow the necessary safety protocols.”

Dr. Tice also expressed his gratitude for the quick response by sheriff’s deputies, state troopers and village police officers.

Anyone who has information that would be helpful to the investigation is encouraged to call the district office at 315-673-6000 and ask to speak to the superintendent or School Resource Officer Earl Smith.