JVS cancels classes as police search for armed robbery suspect

Lorain County Joint Vocational School went on lockdown Feb. 14 and subsequently cancelled school for the day due to an armed robbery that occurred near school grounds, officials said.

The lockdown, which occurred around 7 a.m., was due to the incident at Marathon Gas-Certified Oil gasoline station store, 45970 state Route 20, according to Oberlin police Lt. Mike McCloskey.

McCloskey said witnesses reported a white male, approximately 5-feet, 5-inches tall, with a slender build, entered the store brandishing a small, silver handgun.

The male was dressed in a black or dark blue hoodie, black pants and a black mask to conceal his face.

Based on his tone of voice, witnesses believe he was a younger man, McCloskey said.

The male demanded money, then proceeded behind the counter and took an envelope with an undisclosed amount of money, he said.

The man then fled on foot, east, into a wooded area.

The Oberlin Police Department, along with the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, searched the area but were unable to find the suspect.

It is believed he may have had a vehicle parked in the area or was picked up after the robbery, McCloskey said.

No one was injured during the incident.

Anyone with information should contact the Oberlin Police Department at 440774-1061.

As far as the JVS is concerned, Betty Halliburton, director of communications at the school, said the lockdown was more of precaution.

“We went into protocol when we got word from authorities,” Halliburton said. “When we heard this, we immediately reverted buses back to their local schools and went into lockdown for students who were already in the building.”

Halliburton said the school wanted to be on the safe side.

“The safety of students and staff is our primary concern, so we immediately went into lockdown and cancelled school for the day,” she said. “No students or staff were harmed.

“The lockdown has been lifted, and the 160 students who were in the building at the time are now being picked up.”