Scioto County — What started as a conversation on a school bus quickly turned into a criminal case — and a trip to jail.
According to Sheriff David Thoroughman, deputies were called to Northwest High School early Friday morning after students reported hearing threats about violence toward the school.
By the time deputies arrived, school staff had already stepped in.
Officials say the student accused of making the threats had been pulled from class and taken to the office by Assistant Principal Camron Hoover. Staff searched her belongings for anything dangerous while law enforcement was on the way.
Deputies say the investigation revealed the comments were made during a bus ride, where the student was talking about a song involving a school shooting. During that conversation, she allegedly went further — saying she would like to bring a bomb to the school and “get rid of the school and the people in it.”
Two students who overheard the remarks reported it immediately, setting off the response.
Once deputies arrived, they say the suspect was read her rights and admitted to making the statements, even providing a written confession.
That’s when things got serious.
Star Jackson, 18, of Lucasville, was arrested and charged with:
- Inducing Panic (1st-degree misdemeanor)
- Making Terroristic Threats (3rd-degree felony)
She’s now being held in the Scioto County Jail on an $11,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday.
The case will also be reviewed by Shane Tieman for possible presentation to a grand jury.
Schools Aren’t Playing Around
Cases like this are a reminder — schools treat threats as real, no matter how they start.
It doesn’t matter if it’s said as a joke, part of a song, or just talking — once those words are spoken, it can trigger a full law enforcement response.
And there’s another key detail here:
She’s 18. That means adult charges. Adult jail. Adult consequences.
There’s no “school discipline only” once you cross that line.
What Made the Difference
Officials say the situation was handled quickly because students spoke up.
Instead of brushing it off, they told the bus driver — who reported it up the chain immediately.
That quick action likely prevented a much bigger situation.
Bottom Line
Say something like this, and it doesn’t stay a conversation — it becomes a crime.
And once you’re 18, it can cost you your freedom.