OHIO — Several schools in northeastern Ohio were placed on lockdown Wednesday morning, March 4, after authorities received phone calls threatening violence. Officials later determined the threats were part of a statewide “swatting” hoax.
According to Rocky River Police Chief George Lichman, a caller contacted Rocky River High School shortly before 11 a.m. claiming he was “on his way to the high school with weapons.” The report prompted an immediate response from law enforcement and led to the school being placed on lockdown.
Police quickly began investigating the threat and determined within minutes that it was likely a hoax after similar calls were reported at numerous other school districts across the region. Authorities said the calls all appeared to originate from the same phone number, which was not local.
The lockdown at Rocky River High School began shortly after the call was received and remained in place until just before 2 p.m., according to emails sent by the school district. Other schools in the district were placed on a “soft lockdown,” a precautionary measure that limits movement but allows classes to continue.
Magnificat High School in Rocky River was also placed on a soft lockdown at the direction of police. School officials said no one was allowed to enter or leave the building during that time. The restriction was lifted shortly before 12:30 p.m.
During the incident, police vehicles blocked off portions of Detroit Road near the school while officers secured the area. Parents gathered near the scene out of concern for their children, but officers told them that students and staff appeared to be safe.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the calls and are working to identify those responsible for the threats.
