How Nightlock door stops may have saved lives at Oxford High School

Devices were installed 4 years ago

OXFORD, Mich. – Security devices that were installed at Oxford High School just a few years ago may have prevented the shooter from taking even more lives.

The shooting left four students dead and injured seven other people. Ethan Crumbley, 15, is facing four counts of first-degree murder. He has been charged as an adult. His parents, James Crumbley and Jennifer Crumbley are facing involuntary manslaughter charges. All three are in custody.

Read: Investigators uncover numerous drawings, writings created by suspected Oxford High School shooter

The security device that is getting praise from Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard is called Nightlock. The company that creates the devices is located in Michigan.

Michigan law requires schools to have extra locks on doors. Four years ago, Oxford High School installed Nightlocks on every door.

Bouchard has also watched the security camera footage. When the lockdown was called, training for students and staff kicked in immediately. Locks were put in place, barricades stopped bullets. One bullet landed in a garbage can next to a door.

Meanwhile, other schools in the area are taking precautions. Lake Orion High School will be requiring clear backpacks when students return for in-person learning on Dec. 13.

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About the Authors

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.

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