Editor's note: The original version of this story listed the incorrect number for Crime Stoppers. The correct number is 419-255-1111.

Southview High School Principal Dave McMurray said the referee who brought a gun into the Sylvania school last week will not be invited back to officiate games in the future.

“This just turned into one thing after another, after another,” Mr. McMurray said. “It’s really unacceptable.”

According to a Sylvania police report, a suspect entered Southview, at 7225 Sylvania Ave., during the girls basketball game on Jan. 9 against Clay High School. He entered through a back door, said Mr. McMurray, and lied to the staff about his visit. During the game, he entered the officials locker room and removed a bag from an unlocked locker.

RELATED ARTICLE: Man steals bag with gun from Southview

The bag belonged to Darrel Phillips, 45, of Toledo. He told police that the bag contained a 9mm handgun, $60 cash, and credit cards. Mr. Phillips could not be reached for comment.
“I talked to him the morning after, and he told me what happened,” said Larry Morrison, the commissioner of the Northern Lakes League. Southview and Northview high schools belong to the league.

Mr. Morrison assigns the officials in the NLL for basketball games. He provides coaches with a list of officials and the coaches suggest who they would like to officiate their games. He said Mr. Philliips would not be sent back to Southview. Each official receives $60 to officiate a varsity basketball game.

Mr. McMurray sent a request to Mr. Morrison suggesting that Mr. Phillips be fired from the NLL. Mr. Morrison said it is too early to say whether the referee would be fired.

Mr. Phillips has a permit to carry a concealed firearm, but because he brought the gun on to school property, where such weapons are banned, the case will be sent to the Lucas County prosecutor’s office for possible charges, said Sylvania Police Capt. Rick Schnoor.

“It’s too early in the process to tell,” Mr. Morrison said.

The police are still investigating the theft and have not made an arrest. Police reports state that the suspect is a white male between the ages of 20 and 30 with dark eyes. He was wearing a white or gray sweatshirt, black pants, and white shoes. Police say that the suspect is not a student.

Authorities ask those with information to call Sylvania police at 419-885-8900 or the Crime Stopper program at 419-255-1111.

Contact Ashley Streichert at astreichert@theblade.com or 419-206-0356.

First Published January 18, 2012, 9:47 p.m.