ELYRIA — A lockdown at Elyria High School Friday led to the arrest of a 17-year-old student after police say a handgun was brought onto school property.
According to Elyria Police, a School Resource Officer received information around 11:55 a.m. regarding a potential threat involving a high school student. The officer responded immediately and located the student inside the school gymnasium.
When approached, the student fled the building and school property. Officers pursued the student on foot, and additional officers, detectives, and deputies from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. The student was quickly apprehended.
As a precaution, the school was placed on lockout while officers conducted an investigation and searched the surrounding area. A K-9 unit and drone were deployed during the search. Police said a handgun believed to have been discarded by the student was located by the K-9.
The lockout was later lifted. Authorities said all students and staff are safe, and there is no ongoing threat to the school or surrounding community.
During the investigation, police said the student admitted to bringing the handgun onto school property and fleeing after seeing the School Resource Officer.
The 17-year-old is facing charges of tampering with evidence, carrying concealed weapons, illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone, obstructing official business, inducing panic, and resisting arrest. The student was transported to and admitted into the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.