2 threats put St. Francis on guard

10/12/2011

After two threats of explosives at Toledo's St. Francis de Sales High School were received, administrators went on high alert.

School President Ronald Olszewski said he doesn't believe the threats are valid, but school officials are following suggestions from the Toledo police and fire departments.

The first threat, found last week, was scratched onto the wall of a school bathroom.

The second was a note found outside the school Saturday inside a plastic bag containing a powdery substance.

The threats named yesterday and today as the days when something would happen, Father Olszewski said.

On Monday night, administrators and police officers did a sweep of the building and made sure the facility was secure before leaving.

"We always take those as serious threats," said Toledo police Lt. Cheryl Hunt.

Yesterday morning, students' bookbags and clothing were checked for any suspicious paraphernalia.

"We think it's safe, but we can't take any chances," Father Olszewski said.

The priest said the student who they believe is responsible for the first threat is "gone from the school." The source of the second threat is still a mystery.

The threat for today indicated an explosive would detonate at a specific time, but, because students are taking standardized tests this week, no one will be at the school at the specified time, Father Olszewski said.

The notes, he said, do not appear to be related and it's unclear if the second note was left by a student or by someone from outside the school.

Authorities did a sweep of the building last night and will do another tonight. No arrests have been made, Lieutenant Hunt said. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.