Proud Home of the Bruins

To the Blackford County Schools Community, Parents, and Students,

On October 30, 2018, at Blackford High School at approximately 2:10 p.m. it was reported to school personnel that a student was in possession of a gun at school. The school was immediately put in to lock down and law enforcement notified, and threat protocols and safety plans put into effect. By 2:16 p.m. a juvenile was in custody by the Blackford County Sheriff's department and a gun was found. No students or staff members were injured during this incident.

Students remained in lock down well after the threat was neutralized, and as an additional precaution every student, every backpack, and every classroom was searched to ensure student safety. This led to the prolonged after school dismissal.

Simultaneous to this event unfortunately another student had suffered an injury in our industrial technology lab. This student was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The timing of the two incidents coincided, causing speculation of student injury related to the threat. Again, this was a totally separate incident unrelated to the threat situation.

Blackford County Schools is thankful for the quick action of students, teachers, high school administration, the Hartford City Police Department, and the Blackford County Sheriff's department in the quick resolution of today’s situation.

Blackford County Schools will resume at normal time. Students will have access to counselors if needed, and extra personnel will be on sites to help students.

Signed

Chad Yencer, Superintendent of Schools
Chief Scott Mealy, Hartford City Police Department
Sheriff Jeff Sones, Blackford County Sheriff's Department