Copycat Threat Made at Lakewood Harding Middle School

LAKEWOOD, OH — Extra security was provided at Lakewood High School and Garfield and Harding middle schools after the high school custodial staff discovered a threat referencing the school shooting in Columbine in a bathroom stall at the high school on Friday.

However, the heightened security didn't prevent one student from making a copycat threat at Harding Middle School on Monday.

Harding Principal Joe Niemantsverdriet, sent a message out to assure parents and guardians that their children were never in danger.

Niemantsverdriet described the copycat threat as a "verbal threat" told to another student. The student responsible for the threat was turned in by another student.

Lakewood Police immediately arrested the student who made the threat.

The person responsible for the threat at the high school has not been found yet. Police and school officials say they are still working on leads.

Anyone who has information about the threat at Lakewood High School is urged to call the anonymous hotline at 216-227-5311 or the Lakewood Police Department.

Photo: Lakewood City Schools