The Whitehall Police Department arrested a 16-year-old girl who they allege called in a prank call claiming a student had brought a gun to Whitehall-Yearling High School, which caused a lockdown.
The girl from Columbus called the school and acted like she was the mother on one of the kids in the school, police said in a statement. She called to say the other child had a gun in the classroom and she could see it on FaceTime, the police also said.
The school went on a level 3 lockdown as a precaution.
The girl was charged with swatting, a fourth-degree felony in Ohio.
Police said the girl turned herself into police when she learned that detectives were searching for her.
Police said the suspect confessed to making the prank call that started the incident that led to a lockdown at the high school.
“As soon as officers and detectives confirmed this was a hoax, they immediately went to work on identifying and apprehending anyone involved,” Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen said in a statement. “Within 24 hours, our detectives had the suspect in custody. We do not, and will not, take these matters as a joke. Thanks to the teachers and administration who took this call serious and continue to partner with us."
