An 18-year-old is accused of making terroristic threats against Lakota West High School, according to court documents.
In a complaint filed April 27, 18-year-old Ashton Zihan Zhao is charged with making a threat that “causes a reasonable expectation or fear of the imminent commission,” which is a third-degree felony.
The complaint says that on Sunday, April 26, Zhao made threats to kill people at Lakota West High School.
Zhao admitted to police that he was planning to drive his vehicle into the school, the complaint alleges. Court documents say that Zhao specifically expressed the desire to kill the school principal and counselor.
A spokesperson for Lakota Local Schools said in a statement that they were made aware of the threat from an anonymous tip to the SaferSchools Ohio Tip Line.
The full statement reads as follows:
“When it comes to keeping our schools safe, our students are part of the solution. We regularly remind our students at all grade levels that if they see something or hear something concerning, they should immediately report it to a trusted adult or use the SaferSchools Ohio Tip Line. Lakota Local Schools
“Prior to school opening on Monday, we were made aware of an alleged threat to Lakota West High School through an anonymous report to the SaferSchools Ohio Tip Line. The West Chester Police Department immediately launched a thorough investigation, identifying the person who allegedly made the threat. The situation was addressed prior to staff and students arriving on campus.
“The safety of our staff and students is always our first priority. We take all threats seriously and investigate each one thoroughly with the help of our law enforcement partners.”
Court documents say that Zhao specifically expressed the desire to kill the school principal and counselor.
A spokesperson for Lakota Local Schools told FOX19 NOW in a statement that they were made aware of the threat from an anonymous tip to the SaferSchools Ohio Tip Line.
The full statement reads as follows:
“Prior to school opening on Monday, we were made aware of an alleged threat to Lakota West High School through an anonymous report to the SaferSchools Ohio Tip Line. The West Chester Police Department immediately launched a thorough investigation, identifying the person who allegedly made the threat. The situation was addressed prior to staff and students arriving on campus.
“The safety of our staff and students is always our first priority. We take all threats seriously and investigate each one thoroughly with the help of our law enforcement partners.
“When it comes to keeping our schools safe, our students are part of the solution. We regularly remind our students at all grade levels that if they see something or hear something concerning, they should immediately report it to a trusted adult or use the SaferSchools Ohio Tip Line.”
There is no word yet on when Zhao will be arraigned.
This story may be updated.
Enquirer media partner Fox 19 provided this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Butler County student charged with threats against school staff
Reporting by Tre Mathews, Fox 19 / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
