SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Springfield City School District said it did a controlled release of students after some schools received threats on Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • The district said Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary students were evacuated from their buildings and were taken to a different location in the district

  • On Thursday, Springfield Academy of Excellence and Fulton Elementary School also closed because of a bomb threat — many other city and commission buildings also closed

  • The threats come after Springfield was thrust into the national spotlight after unconfirmed claims that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating people's pets
  • Police confirmed to Spectrum News there are no reports that back up those claims
  • It's not known if the threats are connected to the claims

The nature of the threats wasn't disclosed.

The district said Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary students were evacuated from their buildings and were taken to a different location in the district.

Roosevelt Middle School was already closed for the day, a decision the district made after receiving information from Springfield police. 

In an update from the district Friday afternoon, they said there were no additional threats to any buildings and that the three schools had been "swept by law enforcement and have been deemed to be safe to enter."

They said they are continuing to work with authorities to investigate, saying they take any threats to the district seriously. They expressed their thanks to the district's families for their patience and understanding.

On Thursday, Springfield Academy of Excellence and Fulton Elementary School also closed because of a bomb threat, city officials confirmed. Along with the schools, other city and commission buildings closed because of the threat, including City of Springfield City Hall, Bureau of Motor Vehicles Springfield Driver's Exam Station, Springview Government Center, Clark County Department of Job and Family Services and more.

Springfield police said the bomb threat was sent in an email to multiple facilities and media in the city. 

"This public safety threat prompted an immediate response from local and regional law enforcement and our public safety partners," Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott said in a press conference Thursday. "We take all threats to public safety seriously and our primary concern is the safety and well being of community members."

Springfield has gained national attention this week after unconfirmed reports on social media accused Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating people's pets. The topic also came up in the presidential debate on Tuesday.

Springfield police confirmed to Spectrum News that there are no credible reports to back up the claims. 

It's not known if the claims are connected to the threats. 

As of Friday morning, no other schools in the area have received threats.

Digital Producers Madison MacArthur and Cody Thompson contributed to this story.

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