Logan, Ohio- Monte Bainter is the superintendent at Logan-Hocking Schools who said the district was placed on lockout Thursday after receiving a threat over the phone. This came a day after a woman was handcuffed and led away for refusing to wear a mask at a middle school football game between Marietta and Logan.
It took many discussions and increased caution to get sports into play this season. Superintendent Bainter had this to say.
"We are trying to be able to have athletics and that is why we follow the guidelines that have been given to us by the OHSAA," he said. "We want to be able to have athletics."
The story gained nationwide attention throughout the day Wednesday and Thursday. The officer is identified as Chris Smith who approached the woman and told her that she needed to put her mask on as required by the school policy. The female told the officer that she had asthma and was not going to put it on.
Fox 28 in Columbus reports that the officer advised the woman, identified as Alicia Kitts, that she was being placed under arrest for criminal trespassing since she was refusing to leave the stadium. The refusal continued and the officer deployed a taser due to the continued resistance.
Governor DeWine shared these words encouraging everyone not to rush judgement on the officer's actions.
"[The video] is very unpleasant to look at," DeWine said. "No one wants to see that happen. I would just say to the people who are judging this school, people who are judging that officer… they were trying to follow the guidelines of the Ohio High School Athletic Association with the sole purpose of wanting the kids to play."
Court records show that Kitts has a criminal past which include her facing charges of assault, marijuana and disorderly conduct. Supporters reportedly stood outside of the Logan Police Department yesterday in support of the officer. Parents were quoted saying they want their kids to play sports and though some aren't a fan of the mask mandate, they are standing by the rule to watch kids play sports.
