TROUBLED TEEN TALKED DOWN

AFTER CLIMBING INTO GYM RAFTERS

Wellington – A troubled student was talked down from the Wellington High School gymnasium rafters Thursday afternoon.

Officers from the Wellington Fire District and the Wellington Police Department were called in to assist the school staff in talking the student down.

Wellington Superintendent Francis Scruci said that the student was able to gain access to the rafters by climbing a section of overflow bleachers from one end of the gymnasium. “Measures are already in place to assure that the access to the rafters will no longer be possible.”

Scruci said that the successful negotiation with the student was a collaborative effort between school staff, Police & Fire officials. “I want to commend our staff for following the proper procedures and working with the emergency officials. I also want to thank the Wellington Fire District, The Wellington Police Department and the Paramedics from Southern Lorain County Ambulance District.”

Once the student was safely talked down he was taken away by ambulance along with his mother. During the hour and a half long incident the gym, along with the hallways surrounding the gym were locked down. The rest of the school went about their day without interruption.


Scruci said that counselors would be on hand Friday if any students need to talk about what happened.