Four hospitalized in Chardon High School shooting, grief counselors available to students and staff

CHARDON, Ohio - Authorities say they believe that preparation helped spare lives during the fatal shooting at Chardon High School Monday morning.

Chardon Police Chief Timothy McKenna said that the two victims at MetroHealth Medical Center are in critical condition, while the other two at Hillcrest Hospital are in stable and serious condition. Student Daniel Parmertor died as a result of his injuries during the shooting.

“At 0738 this morning, our first 911 call came into our station. Shots fired at Chardon High School, 151 Chardon Avenue,” McKenna said, during a brief news conference Monday afternoon. “Immediately, the units that were on, as well as myself, and numerous other law enforcement agencies were responding to my scene.”

“Information received upon my arrival was that the shooter had left the building. At that point, our team went right in the door to advise the EMS to get in and start dealing with the injured students,” McKenna said.

McKenna said the juvenile suspect was arrested and that he would not release his name, but sources have identified the suspect as TJ Lane. FBI and DEA agents searched two houses on Wilder Road that belong to relatives of the suspect.

“I want to assure the Chardon community and neighboring community that we are safe,” McKenna said. He added the investigation will be lengthy.

Like many schools across the country in the wake of other school shootings, Chardon Local Schools prepared their students and staff with lockdown drills.

“Several years ago, the Chardon school district and local law enforcement began conducting drills, training, practice, if you would, for an event just like occurred today. As a result of that we were well-prepared for the response,” Geauga County Sheriff Daniel McClelland said. ”Law enforcement was quickly placed inside the school upon arrival, and we believe that helped to lessen the tragedy that occurred.”

“Unfortunately, much had occurred prior to law enforcement’s arrival,” McClelland said.

As law enforcement arrived, students at Chardon High School were moved to nearby Maple Elementary School, where parents and legal guardians were permitted to pick up students.

“First of all, I’d like to that our law enforcement for working with us so diligently over the last couple of hours,” said Chardon Local Schools Superintendent Joe Bergant. “None the less, our heartfelt sympathy goes to the five victims in the case. There’s really not a lot you can say. When you’re responsible for the safety of 3,100 kids, other than the fact that we’re going to do the best we can to make sure our schools continue to be safe.”

School has been canceled at all of the Chardon Local Schools on Tuesday. It is unclear if school will resume at any point this week. Bergant said only a few maintenance staff members, who will be needed to open the buildings, will be at work Tuesday.

“Stay home and spend some time reflecting on family. And I hope every parent, if you haven’t hugged or kissed your kid in the last couple days, take that time,” Bergant said. There are several vigils planned, but the students have organized their own Monday at 8:30 p.m. at Chardon Square.

Grief counselors will be available at Chardon Middle School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at St. Mary School from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Executive director of the Ravenwood Mental Health Canter David Boyle said people can call the Geauga County Copeline, which is a 24-emergency hotline, if they need to talk about Monday’s traumatic events, at 1-888-285-5665 or 440-285-5665.

“There is no normal response to this type of event. Some will seem to handle it in stride and others will be very distraught and it’s all within normal limits,” Boyle said. Boyle said that grief counselors and mental health professionals from across northeast Ohio are ready to deal with the emotional issues that could arise from the day’s tragedy.

“It is our opinion that it is best for you to talk about it and deal with these events as soon as you can after the event and, thereby, reduce the long-term impact of this terrible tragedy,” Boyle said.

“Some will find that this sort of event is apparently taken in stride at first, and long after the upper or over of the situation has died down will begin to suffer. We will be there next week, next month or next year.” Boyle said to be aware of signs of depression and anxiety.

There will be another news conference Tuesday at 11 a.m.