Teen arrested and charged for bomb threat at Marion County School – WKTN

A 15-year-old boy was arrested today in connection with bomb threats he allegedly made against Ridgedale schools this week.

According to a press release from Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles, the Ridgedale Local School District received bomb threats via email on September 9 and 13.

Both incidents resulted in extensive operations and a search of the campus by officers from the Marion County Sheriff's Office and patrol officers from the Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, including an OSP bomb detection dog.

Additionally, the Ridgedale Local School District was closed on Friday, September 13, due to the threat.

During a lengthy and thorough investigation, officers were able to identify a suspect and ultimately arrest a 15-year-old student from Ridgedale.

The male suspect was charged with two counts of scaremongering and two counts of terroristic threats. Formal charges will be filed at a later date with the Marion County District Attorney's Office.

Sheriff Matt Bayles stated, “The Marion County Sheriff's Office takes any threat of violence against our schools, students and staff seriously and we will use all available resources to ensure those who threaten our schools are held accountable.”

Sheriff Bayles thanked all officers and police involved for their tireless efforts in the investigation. He also thanked the parents, students and staff of the Ridgedale Local School District for their patience during the long and troubling week.