ELYRIA — Multiple schools within the Elyria City School District were evacuated Friday after bomb threats were reported at several school buildings, continuing a troubling pattern of school-related threats across Northern Ohio this week.
Elyria City Schools confirmed Friday morning that police were investigating “multiple bomb threats involving multiple schools” within the district.
“We have received multiple bomb threats involving multiple schools,” the district said in a statement. “The police are on site and are investigating. Students are being evacuated safely. Please stay away from the campuses until further notice.”
District officials said additional safety measures were being implemented and would be communicated to parents through follow-up robocalls.
The Elyria Police Department later confirmed officers were actively working alongside Elyria City Schools administrators and staff to help ensure the safety of students and school personnel.
“Out of an abundance of caution, several schools within the district were evacuated while officers responded and assisted with safety and security efforts on scene,” Elyria Police Chief James Welsh said in a public statement.
Welsh also acknowledged that neighboring school districts experienced similar incidents Thursday, describing them as “swatting-related incidents,” and said investigators are working with law enforcement partners to identify the source of the threats.
The developments in Elyria come a day after multiple Northern Ohio school districts faced similar situations.
On Thursday, Amherst Exempted Village Schools confirmed bomb threats involving Marion L. Steele High School and Walter G. Nord School. Law enforcement agencies, including the Lorain County Bomb Squad, responded while students were evacuated and school buildings searched. Authorities later cleared Steele High School and said no threat was found.
Later Thursday, Lorain City Schools also dealt with reported threats that led to evacuations and an increased police presence at school buildings.
The back-to-back incidents have raised growing concern among parents, students and school officials throughout the region as districts continue balancing safety precautions with efforts to avoid panic while investigations unfold.
Across social media Friday, community members expressed frustration, fear and concern that repeated threats may be encouraging copycat incidents.
At this time, authorities have not publicly announced any credible threats connected to the incidents. Investigations remain ongoing.
