Superintendent: Lebanon HS students investigated after photo shows apparent handgun in locker room
LEBANON, Ohio —
An investigation is underway after a photo of students posing with a gun inside a high school locker room was reported to school administration, according to Lebanon City Schools.
In a letter sent to families by LCS Superintendent Isaac W. Seevers, an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the photo. Seevers said it was posted on social media Saturday night and showed several students inside a Lebanon High School locker room holding “what appeared to be” a handgun.
After the image was reported, school administration was alerted, and the photo was shared with Lebanon police. Seevers says the district has “worked in direct partnership” with officers throughout the investigation.
Seevers’ letter to families says the investigation has indicated that the gun, which was not specified, was brought onto district grounds in order to show friends.
“We have identified no evidence of a specific threat directed toward the students in the photo or the broader school community,” Seevers says, adding that police have taken “appropriate law enforcement action” in connection to the incident and that the investigation remains ongoing.
“We treat the presence of any weapon on district grounds with the utmost seriousness,” Seevers says.
Officials say the students who have been identified as being involved have not been in school since the photo was reported to administrators.
“The safety and security of our students and staff are our highest priorities,” Seevers says. “We are deeply grateful to the individual who reported the image, allowing us to act swiftly.”
“The Lebanon Division of Police takes any report involving a weapon on school property very seriously. In this instance, the established partnership between Lebanon City Schools and our School Resource Officers allowed school administrators and law enforcement to respond quickly, identify those involved, and take appropriate law enforcement action,” a statement from Lebanon police chief Jeff Mitchell said. “We appreciate the cooperation of Lebanon City Schools and remain committed to working together to provide a safe environment for our students and staff.”
Seevers asked families to remind students that if they see or hear anything concerning, that they should always report it to a trusted school employee, administrator or law enforcement official right away.