Teen arrested in Glen Este school threats; hundreds of students stay home

UNION TWP., Ohio - A 15-year-old girl was arrested Friday for inducing panic and tampering with evidence. Police say she made threats on Facebook about possible violence at Glen Este High School and Middle School.

Dr. Gary Brooks, West Clermont schools superintendent, said the school board is recommending the student be suspended for ten days and eventually face expulsion.

The girl told authorities she initiated the post about a shooting "to see what would happen," according to Union Township Police Lt. Scott Gaviglia. She's been booked in the Clermont County Jail. Investigators say the threat was focused on the middle school.

Gaviglia said the teen's Facebook post caused hundreds of concerned parents to call the police department Thursday and prompted other parents to keep their children out of school for the day. 

Brooks said about half of the middle school student body was absent on Friday and absenteeism was up slightly at the high school.

West Clermont Schools Superintendent Dr. Gary Brooks said the threat was taken seriously and there were extra police on the Glen Este campus Friday morning as school began -- both uniformed and undercover -- as a precaution.

There are no other suspects. Gaviglia said rumors of police finding a weapon at the school are unfounded and the case is closed.