Northridge Local Schools in Licking County found themselves at the center of a concerning situation when they had to cancel classes and activities yesterday due to threats made by a man now identified as William Shade Miller. According to ABC6, Miller, who had been previously indicted on aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine charges, allegedly made threats towards a school resource officer over issues concerning his son.
These threats subsequently led to a decision, in consultation with local law enforcement, to prevent any possible harm to the student body and faculty by keeping the school's doors shuttered for a day. "In consultation with authorities," Northridge Local Schools Superintendent Brian Blum declared in an afternoon statement, "decided to close the schools." This information was detailed by WBNS.
The Licking County Sheriff’s Office took the threats seriously and acted swiftly, arresting Miller on weapons charges. He was accused of illegally purchasing a rifle, being prohibited from owning a firearm due to his felony conviction. Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp announced that William Shade Miller, 36, of Knox County, was arrested on suspicion of having weapons under disability after he was allegedly involved in the purchase of a Smith & Wesson M&P AR 15 rifle. This development was reported by The Newark Advocate.
Further adding to the complexity of the case, surveillance footage revealed that Miller and his wife were seen at a feed and hardware store in Utica, where Miller was pointing out various guns for his wife, thus circumventing his legal restrictions regarding firearm possession. Miller "pointed out various guns for his wife to purchase," stated charging documents filed by the Licking County Sheriff's Office and according to ABC6. The comments leading to the arrest were made during a phone conversation and were directed not at students or the district, but at the resource officer.
