Elida High School Put on Lockdown, Later Lifted After Weapon Report Turns Out Unfounded

According to Superintendent Joel Mengerink, Elida High School went on lockdown early this morning after a community member reported that a student may have had a weapon in their vehicle on the way to school.

According to a release issued by Mengerink, earlier today, shortly after the Elida High School day began, multiple law enforcement agencies arrived at the high school after receiving a report from a community member of a student displaying a weapon in their vehicle on the way to school.

Upon identification of the alleged student, multiple investigative tactics were used by the district and law enforcement, including searches of persons, belongings, lockers, classrooms, video surveillance footage, vehicle, etc.

No weapon was located and law enforcement has relieved the school of the lockdown. All students and staff are safe, and law enforcement continues to investigate. This situation was isolated to the high school only.

He thanked the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, American Township Police, and the Elida Village Police for their quick response and handling of the situation. Mengerink said that student and staff safety is of utmost concern. He also stated they will review the safety procedures that were used during this issue to see if any changes need to be made to their safety plans.

The full release can be found below: