Willoughby police investigate rumor that student threatened to bring gun to South High School

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio - Willoughby Police said Sunday night and early Monday morning, they started to receive calls from concerned parents about a rumor a student was going to bring a gun to South High School Monday.

On the police department's Facebook page, a notice is posted from the school's principal Paul A. Lombardo.

Lombardo said, "The student rumored to have said this was immediately identified and interviewed by the Willoughby Police."

"Please rest assured that there was NO firearm found and the Willoughby Police found no evidence substantiating the rumor to be true. Just to be safe, we will have a police presence all day at school on Monday."

NewsChannel5 spoke with the police department. They told us as soon as the calls came in around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, officers started to investigate. They contacted school administrators to develop a security plan for Monday morning as students arrive to school.

Police told NewsChannel5 the investigation is ongoing and police officers will be at every school in Willoughby Monday.

Parents can contact Mr. Lombardo at 440 -975-3628 . Principal Lombardo reminded parents to call the Safe School Helpline if you notice any activity that could harm students. That number is 1-800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359. You can also go to the website www.safeschoolhelpline.com.