Security boosted after school threat

3/23/2006

Toledo police are continuing to investigate what they believe was a bogus report of plans for a "Columbine-type shooting massacre" at Washington Junior High School, but they still plan to station extra officers at the school.

Toledo police Sgt. Richard Murphy said even though the incident likely was a prank, police would be at the building tomorrow and Monday as a precaution.

A 14-year-old female student at the school, 5700 Whitmer Drive, and her mother filed a report with Toledo police stating that they had received a telephone call telling them about the planned shooting and about a "hit list" with the names of seven students, including the girl.

All names on the list are girls who attend the school and are 14 or 15 years old.

Washington Local Schools Superintendent Michael Carmean said the district is conducting an internal investigation.

He said he believed the threats were not credible, but noted that the school takes all threats seriously.

The district's administration building and Washington Junior High were flooded with phone calls from concerned parents yesterday, Mr. Carmean said.