Crime & Safety

Police to Stay at Strongsville High School

No more threats found, but officers will remain while district upgrades security

Strongsville police officers remain at Strongsville High School this week following a series of  threats of violence written in graffiti last week.

An undisclosed number of officers patrolled the hallways, parking lot and perimeter of the high school last week after a student scrawled a threat about bringing weapons to school on a restroom door.

That followed a message about a bomb going off that was found painted on the outside of the building last Monday and led to canceling classes at the high school and elementary schools.

Police Chief Jim Kobak said none of the threats was "credible," but sent officers to the building to put students and staff at ease.

Mayor Tom Perciak this week called the incidents "antics" of youngsters.

"We'd like to believe that's what it is," he said. "However, we never take these things lightly."

As a result, extra officers will remain at the high school until Kobak and Safety Director Charles Goss determine when to pull them out.

In the meantime, the city and school district are looking into ways to improve security there, including upgrading security cameras.

Councilman at large Joe DeMio asked for extra officers at the SHS football game Friday night; Kobak assured him police would be there.

No arrests have been made in the incidents. Anyone with information can call police at 440-238-7373.


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