Marion County elementary school locked down during drug seizure

Adam Conn
·1 min read

MARION, Ohio (WCMH) – A narcotics investigation in Marion County led to an elementary school lockdown during the execution of a search warrant Wednesday morning.

According to the Marion Metro Drug Enforcement Unit, law enforcement officers went to a home at around 10:15 a.m. in the 700 block of Silver Street in Marion. The home is located within 300 feet of Hayes Elementary School on the west side of the city.

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As a result of the search warrant, executed by MARMET, the Marion Police Department and Marion County deputies, about 67 grams of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a gun and cash were seized. Paul Courtney, 33, of Columbus, was arrested and charged with possession of drugs and weapons under disability.

Marion County law enforcement seized crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a weapon during a drug bust near an elementary school, Jan. 24, 2024. (Courtesy/Marion Police Department)
Marion County law enforcement seized crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a weapon during a drug bust near an elementary school, Jan. 24, 2024. (Courtesy/Marion Police Department)

During the search and seizure, the elementary school was placed under a lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Formal charges will be reviewed by the Marion County Prosecutor’s office for Courtney, who also has a felony escape warrant out of Franklin County.

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