FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE: Jefferson Area Local School District active shooter update, March 1, 2023 incident
JEFFERSON, OHIO—Yesterday, March 1, 2023, the Ashtabula County EMA office received a call from an unknown, outside source stating that there was an active shooter at Jefferson Area High School. Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Dispatch notified the School Resource Officer and Jefferson Police, along with the Sheriff deputies that were on duty and EMS. Officers promptly hanlded the call.
Jefferson High School and Junior High were in the process of following their lockdown procedures when officers started entering the building. Police Officers were able to determine that the call was not an active threat, and that all staff and children were safe. The schools were released from lockdown and resumed normal daily activities.
Ashtabula County Prosecutor, Colleen M. O’Toole is working with the Jefferson Area Local School District to educate students, staff and parents on the multiple threats and calls that the Jefferson District has been receiving for the past week. O’Toole’s office is in the process of scheduling an education session for grades 4-12. More information to come at a later date.
“We at the Prosecutor’s Office take all threats to the schools, children, and staff very seriously; once the source of the threat is identifted, we will prosecute to the fullest extent if the law, along with any other threats that may follow,” said Prosecutor O’Toole. We recommend all parents to speak to their children about the seriousness of false threats and what the outcomes may be.
Prosecutor O’Toole and her office greatly thanks all of the safety forces for their rapid response and constant dedication to keeping Ashtabula County safe.
