A bomb threat that forced the evacuation of Bellefontaine High School on Sept. 16 was the work of an out-of-state suspect who has made threats at schools in Florida and Tennessee, Bellefontaine Police Chief Brandon Standley said.
“The Bellefontaine Police Department is working closely with law enforcement in other states and the FBI to determine the whereabouts of the suspect in this case,” he said this morning. “We are confident that the caller is not in our community, and is most likely residing out of state.
“As the investigation continues, we are hopeful that our work pays off with an eventual arrest. Threats like this are not taken lightly by any law enforcement agency in our country and will be investigated to the fullest extent possible.”
Local authorities called in bomb sniffing dogs from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Allen County Sheriff’s Office and The Ohio State University Columbus Campus Police.
Students and staff were safely evacuated to the visitors stands of AcuSport Stadium and spent several hours waiting until the building was searched for any explosive devices.
Chief Standley said it appears the suspect picks the school to call at random.
An Allen County Sheriff’s Deputy and his dog begin a sweep Sept. 16 in the east parking lot at Bellefontaine High School, 555 E. Lake Ave., Bellefontaine, in response to a bomb threat received by school officials. (EXAMINER FILE PHOTO | JOEL E. MAST)