Law enforcement is on the scene at St. Marys City Schools this afternoon following a reported threat.

According to officials, city police, Auglaize County deputies, and Ohio State Highway Patrol, units have responded to the school campus on State Route 66. Entry into the property has been blocked for all incoming vehicles, and road access around the school has been restricted as a safety precaution.

The district has confirmed that all St. Marys school buildings are on lockdown. In a message sent to families, administrators said, “SMCS received a threat. All buildings are on lockdown. No students will leave or enter the buildings. An update will come when more information is available. We are currently working with law enforcement.”

Authorities have not yet released details on the nature of the threat or how long the lockdown may remain in place.

We’ll continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available — stay tuned to WCSM Radio and wcsmradio.com for the latest information.

The following is a statement from the St Marys Police:

On today’s date, at approximately 1148 hours, personnel from the St. Marys City Schools contacted our office regarding a threatening in nature phone call they had received at 1147 hours. Officers quickly responded to the schools within the district and all schools, including Holy Rosary School, were immediately placed on lockdown for precautionary measures. Our office, along with the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and FBI are working diligently with the school administration concerning the matter.

The following is a statement from St Marys Superintendent Bill Ruane

October 22, 2025

Dear Roughrider Families:

Today shortly before noon, we received a threatening phone call to the high school office.
The caller stated, "They had an AR-15 and were coming to the school to harm students
and then themselves in 20 minutes”. The caller was asked to repeat some of the
information in which they answered the questions. This is what initiated the quick
response with the stay put/lockdown. The SMPD, Auglaize Sheriff Department, State
Highway Patrol, and the FBI responded immediately and had every building secured. As
part of their investigation, they worked to find if the call and threat were credible. Once
deemed non credible, we moved to control access. You will notice an increased police
presence over the next few days throughout the district. School counselors will also be
available to talk with students as needed.

I would like to thank the St. Marys City School Staff for their calm but urgent reaction.
They did a phenomenal job in a tense and tough situation. I would also like to thank the
first responders for their immediate response, great collaboration and continued efforts to
keep our school and community safe. Finally I would like to thank the students and
parents for their cooperation and patience. I know it was a very difficult day for
everyone!

Respectfully,

Bill Ruane
Superintendent