COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For two hours Monday students at Independence High School were forced in to stay in classrooms as officers went locker-to-locker, classroom-to-classroom looking for a weapon.
NBC 4 was on the story when it broke and offered additional information Tuesday.
Officers found a gun in a classroom. A ninth-grade student and two other students were questioned, and police said one teen will be charged.
The school resource officer played a key role in the situation. But a tough economy will take a bite out of the public-safety budget, and NBC 4's Ana Jackson got answers about the future of the program.
Parents rushed to Independence as police surrounded the building.
"I'm concerned. My son goes here," parent Steve Richards said.
Student texted their parents, pleading to go home.
"I got a text message from my daughter. She was terrified. She said, 'Mom, we're on lockdown,' " parent Larhonda Cook said.
The school resource officer was able to provide an immediate response when a student shared information that a classmate brought a gun to school.
"That's one of the benefits of having resource officers in the schools. A lot of times officers get valuable information that helps combat crimes within the schools," CPD Lieutenant Donald Cade said.
In fact, three major fights at three local schools, including East High School, were broken up last week thanks to an immediate response from resource officers.
Mayor Michael Coleman apparently notices the importance of the officers, Jackson reported. As many sectors of public safety face budget cuts, funding for resource officers remained intact.
"Crimes occur in schools just like out on streets, and by having an officer there, on hand, there's a lot they can do to prevent many of them," Cade said.
Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest news and information.
To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Web Search powered by YAHOO!
|
NewsNews
School Officer Provides Immediate Response
A parent shares a text that his or her child sent during a lockdown Monday.
By:
|
NBC4i.com
Published: November 25, 2008
Published: November 25, 2008
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
MoreAdvertisement
View More:
Ana Jackson,
Columbus,
Donald Cade,
East High School,
Education,
Independence High School,
Larhonda Cook,
Lieutenant,
Mayor,
Michael Coleman,
Nbc,
Officer,
Ohio,
School Resource Officer,
Steve Richards
Not what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
Reader Comments
*Facebook Account Required to Comment. If you are not already logged into Facebook, please click the comment button to do so.Deal of the Day
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement