15-year-old arrested for altercation that resulted in Northwest High being placed on lockdown

COLERAIN TWP., Ohio – A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged after he allegedly tried to start a fight – brandishing a gun – that sent Northwest High School into lockdown, according to Colerain police.

The incident happened on October 30and Northwest High School announced it would be closed the next day, Oct. 31, out of an abundance of caution. The school district said the closure occurred after “two unknown individuals approached and confronted an NWHS student off campus during dismissal. The two individuals fled the area. After the incident, a weapon was recovered off campus.”

According to Colerain police, that weapon was one found in a nearby neighborhood on Monday.

Police said a 15-year-old boy and another person tried to start a fight with a Northwest High student. During the incident, police said the 15-year-old boy “brandished a firearm” before leaving the area.

That teen is not a student at Northwest High School, police said. He was arrested Nov. 1 and faces charges of aggravated menacing, receiving stolen property, carrying concealed weapons and illegally transporting or possessing a deadly weapon.

The 15-year-old was taken to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center; Police said the investigation into the second suspect involved remains active.

Northwest Local School District said on social media Oct. 30 that reports of suspicious people in the area prompted a complete lockdown of Northwest High School. Pleasant Run Elementary and Pleasant Run Middle School were also placed on lockdown due to their proximity to Northwest High School.

The lockdowns at Pleasant Run Elementary and Middle School were then lifted around 3:10 p.m. While classes at Northwest High School were suspended for the day, the district said students who were on campus for after-school activities were ushered into the building and a controlled dismissal took place.

In a letter to parents, Northwest High principal Alex Shrewsberry said he understands the lockdown has “caused significant concerns among our school community, and we want to take all possible steps to ensure our students and staff feel safe and supported feel when they go back to school. “

“We understand that tomorrow’s school closure may be disruptive, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our students and their families. However, we believe this precaution is essential to provide a supportive learning environment for our students. when they return on Friday, November 1, 2024,” Shrewsberry said.