A 36-year-old Knox County man was arrested on Thursday following an incident that prompted the closure of all Northridge Local Schools in Licking County. Authorities reported that the man made concerning comments about a school resource officer during a phone call with a district employee, leading to the precautionary shutdown.
Key Takeaways
- Northridge Local Schools canceled all classes and activities on Thursday as a safety precaution.
- The closure followed a phone call where a man made comments directed at a school resource officer.
- William Shade Miller, 36, was arrested and charged with having a weapon under disability.
- The Licking County Sheriff's Office confirmed the comments were not aimed at students or the school building.
- Classes were scheduled to resume on Friday after the suspect was taken into custody.
Initial Report Leads to District-Wide Closure
Officials at Northridge Local Schools were first alerted to a potential safety concern on Wednesday evening. The Licking County Sheriff's Department contacted the district after receiving information about troubling remarks made by an individual during a phone conversation with a school staff member.
Superintendent Brian Blum, in consultation with law enforcement, made the decision to close all schools within the district for the day. In a statement, Blum confirmed the district acted on the guidance of local authorities to ensure the well-being of students and staff.
The precautionary measure extended beyond regular school hours. Later on Thursday, the district also announced the cancellation of all extracurricular activities, keeping campuses empty while the investigation proceeded.
Coordinated Safety Protocols
School districts often work closely with local law enforcement agencies to assess threats. Decisions to close schools are typically made out of an abundance of caution when a credible threat is identified, allowing authorities time to investigate and neutralize any potential danger to the community.
Investigation Focuses on Knox County Man
The Licking County Sheriff's Office immediately launched an investigation following the initial report. Detectives quickly identified the individual involved as 36-year-old William Shade Miller of Knox County. The investigation focused on the nature of the comments, which were specifically directed toward a school resource officer assigned to the district.
Authorities clarified that at no point were threats made against students, faculty, or the school facilities themselves. The concern was centered on the individual's statements regarding the law enforcement officer.
The situation escalated when deputies received additional information suggesting that Miller had recently acquired a rifle. According to the sheriff's office, Miller was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms, which added urgency to the investigation.
Charge: Weapons Under Disability
In Ohio, the charge of "having weapons under disability" applies to individuals who are forbidden from owning or carrying firearms. This prohibition can result from a prior felony conviction, being a fugitive from justice, or other specific legal restrictions.
Suspect Arrested Without Incident
Based on their findings, investigators secured an arrest warrant for William Shade Miller. The charge filed was for having weapons under disability, a felony offense related to his illegal possession of a firearm.
On Thursday afternoon, law enforcement officers located Miller at a gas station in Utica, Ohio. The sheriff's office reported that he was taken into custody without incident, bringing a peaceful resolution to the tense situation.
The successful arrest allowed the school district to confirm that normal operations could safely resume. The prompt action by law enforcement was critical in resolving the matter within a single day.
Officials Praise Cooperation and Swift Action
Following the arrest, both the school district and the sheriff's office highlighted their strong partnership. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement thanking the community and the school district for their cooperation.
"The safety and security of our schools and community remain our highest priority. We appreciate the cooperation and vigilance of the Northridge Local School District and the public in helping bring this matter to a safe and timely resolution."
Superintendent Blum also expressed his gratitude toward the authorities for their prompt communication and guidance throughout the event. He emphasized the importance of the relationship between the district and law enforcement in protecting students.
In a message to families, Blum stated, "I want to thank the Licking County Sheriff’s Department for promptly notifying the district of its concerns. We have a strong relationship with law enforcement, and value their partnership and guidance to assess concerns when they arise."
With the suspect in custody, Northridge Local Schools announced that all buildings would be open and classes would proceed as scheduled on Friday, restoring normalcy for students and staff.
