Student, 17, charged with making terroristic threats, inducing panic at MCCTC
Staff report
CANFIELD
A student is charged with inducing panic and making terroristic threats after writing a threat on a restroom wall at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.
Authorities said Paula Nakley, 17, 49 Stewart St., Struthers, wrote: “The school will blow up today! 2:20 p.m. 3/14/16” on Monday morning on the women’s restroom wall.
She is charged with inducing panic and making terroristic threats.
MCCTC administrators evacuated the school and sent students home early because of fears of the threat.
Canfield police officers collaborated with school administrators to interview and review surveillance video that eventually led them to Nakley. Officer Aaron Young said in his police report Nakley said she didn’t think it was such a big deal.
Detective Brian McGivern said he thinks the students just aren’t thinking about their actions.
“I don’t think they realize the consequences of the note written for five seconds,” McGivern said. ”The next thing you know, all types of emergency personnel are showing up, and the school is evacuated.”
John Zehentbauer, assistant superintendent at MCCTC, said Nakley is under suspension for the offense and could face further discipline pending the outcome of the investigation.
McGivern said the situation was another good example of the school having a solid emergency plan.