Elementary School In Marion County Closed During Drug Seizure

An elementary school lockdown occurred during the execution of a search warrant in Marion County due to a narcotics investigation.

Law enforcement officers arrived at a residence on Silver Street in Marion around 10:15 a.m., as reported by the Marion Metro Drug Enforcement Unit. The home is situated just a short distance from Hayes Elementary School on the west side of the city.

Following the execution of a search warrant by MARMET, the Marion Police Department and Marion County deputies, a significant amount of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and cash were confiscated. Paul Courtney, a 33-year-old resident of Columbus, has been taken into custody and is facing charges related to drug possession and illegal possession of weapons.

As a precautionary measure, the elementary school was placed under a lockdown during the search and seizure.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s office will be reviewing formal charges for Courtney, who is also wanted for felony escape in Franklin County.