Knox County resident arrested in Northridge School threat

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office recently received information regarding concerning comments made by an individual during a phone conversation with a staff member of Northridge Local Schools. The comments were not directed toward students or the school but they were directed at a Licking County Sheriffs School Resource Officer assigned to the school.

On September 24, 2025, deputies received additional reports involving the same individual, including that he had purchased or obtained a rifle, which he could not legally possess. Detectives promptly initiated an investigation, which confirmed the validity of the information. As a result, an arrest warrant was obtained for William Shade Miller, age 36 on the charge of Having Weapons Under Disability.

Miller, a Knox County resident, was taken into custody this afternoon at a Utica gas station without incident. He is currently incarcerated at the Licking County Justice Center.

THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT ISSUED BY NORTHRIDGE LOCAL SCHOOLS:

Northridge Schools, exercising an abundance of caution, did not hold classes today. This was a decision made by the school administration. Classes will resume tomorrow.

The safety and security of our schools and community remain our highest priority. We appreciate the cooperation and vigilance of the Northridge Local School District and the public in helping bring this matter to a safe and timely resolution.

Dear Northridge Families,
I am writing to address today’s district-wide school closure. Last night, local law
enforcement officials contacted the district to report a safety concern. In caution and in
close consultation with law enforcement, I determined to close school today. At this
time, at the direction of law enforcement, the district is very limited in the information it
can share. We have been working closely and in cooperation with the authorities, and
we expect they will be providing updates to the community as they are available. If you
have specific questions regarding the investigation of this matter, please contact the
Licking County Sheriff’s Department.
I understand the community’s desire for more information, but we must defer to law
enforcement’s directives about what we can share, and when. As soon as we are able,
we will notify you if school will re-open tomorrow.
I want to remind you that we have several ways for students, staff, and the school
community to bring concerns to our attention. The Stay Safe Speak Up Student Hotline
can be accessed at (866) 547-8362 and accepts calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
including allowing anonymous reports. A report can also be made via the district’s
website at northridge.k12.oh.us/stay-safe. When a report is made, multiple school
administrators are notified. Of course, you can always bring your concerns directly to a
school administrator.
Sincerely,