Law enforcement agencies are investigating multiple bomb threats at schools across central Ohio.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Authorities are investigating bomb threats targeting multiple schools in the Columbus area and statewide on Wednesday morning.
Here is the list of confirmed schools that police said received threats.
Bexley Chief of Police Gary Lewis said a bomb threat was called into Bexley High School around 10:40 a.m. The police chief added it was a swatting call.
Lewis said students at Bexley were sheltered in place.
Both Worthington high schools, Thomas Worthington and Worthington Kilbourne, received threatening phone calls from an unknown caller, according to Superintendent Trent Bowers.
Bowers said the threats appear to be “part of a broader pattern, as several other school districts across the region reported receiving identical threats today.”
As a precaution, enhanced security measures were implemented as police officers conducted a sweep of the schools. The elementary and middle schools were put on a “lockout” which means the school day is proceeding as usual inside classrooms, but all exterior doors are locked to outsiders and no one is allowed to enter or leave.
A spokesperson with the City of Gahanna confirmed that Gahanna Lincoln High School received a bomb threat around 11:15 a.m. Students and staff were safely evacuated to Clark Hall.
Officers and first responders arrived at the school to assess the situation.
The spokesperson said authorities became aware of other schools in the area receiving similar threats and resulting in similar actions by law enforcement.
Metro Early College High School
Columbus Division of Police Sgt. Joe Albert confirmed to 10TV that officers were called for a reported bomb threat at Metro Early College High School, located on E. 19th Avenue.
The Lancaster Police Department said there was a reported threat involving Lancaster High School. Officers and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the threat and ask everyone to avoid the area at this time. A spokesperson with the police department said the students are safe.
Ottawa Hills Schools, a district about 8 miles outside of Toledo, was also placed on lockdown after a bomb threat was made to the district, according to 10TV’s sister station WTOL. Bowling Green City Schools was also placed on lockdown after receiving a threatening phone call. It’s unclear if that threat is related to the threats made in central Ohio.
This is a developing story. Stay with 10TV for more updates.