Timken Elementary School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after two separate reports indicated a possible weapon could be brought onto school grounds, according to Canton City School District officials.
In a statement released Thursday, Oct. 22, Superintendent Jeff Talbert said the school received two reports concerning a potential threat. One report was left on the school’s voicemail, while the second was made directly to 911.
The 911 call prompted an immediate response from the Canton Police Department, and school officials placed the building on lockdown as authorities began investigating.
According to Talbert, school administrators worked closely with Canton police to identify the source of both reports and gather additional information about the potential threat.
Investigators ultimately determined that the individual involved did not pose a threat to the school or its students.
“School administration and the Canton Police Department quickly identified the source of both calls, gathered additional information concerning the threat, and determined that the individual involved was not a threat to the building or our students,” Talbert said in the statement.
The lockdown was lifted after police made contact with the individual.
District officials did not provide additional details about the nature of the reported threat or the identity of the person involved.
Talbert emphasized that student and staff safety remains the district’s highest priority while thanking law enforcement and those who reported the concerns.
“The safety and security of our staff and students is our top priority,” Talbert said.
He also expressed appreciation for the Canton Police Department’s quick response, the students and parents who alerted authorities, and school employees who acted swiftly during the incident.
