Shaker Heights Schools Issue Statement on School Threats

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH - After a Shaker Heights High School student received a threat over the weekend, there was some concern about school being cancelled. Classes will proceed today on a normal schedule, the district says.

Over the weekend, a slew of east side schools received threats on Instagram. While Shaker Heights wasn't explicitly named in the threats, a local high school student was. Shaker Heights Police are investigating the threat.

The high school itself was not threatened and is operating on a normal schedule today, but with heightened security.

"While the threat is not believed to be credible, the district and police department take the security of our children very seriously. The district will continue to coordinate with our police department to ensure normal operations of school facilities throughout the week," the district said in a statement. "As always, we ask all residents and children to be alert to suspicious activity, and contact police immediately if anything unusual is observed or heard."

Eastlake Police arrested three 6th graders yesterday in connection to some of the threats made on Instagram. While all three suspects confessed, police are still searching for other posters. It is unclear if the girls were responsible for the threat to the Shaker Heights High School student.

Eastlake Police Chief Larry Reik says the girls were likely inspired by recent national headlines about clown-related pranks and crimes. Police say the girls were remorseful and gave full confessions. Charges will be reviewed with the Juvenile Prosecutor and the department diversion program.

Image via Shaker Heights Schools