ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Two people have been charged in connection with the theft of a school resource officer's service weapon left in the restroom earlier this week at Forest View Educational Center. According to Arlington Heights police, the handgun has still not been recovered.
Detectives determined that 18-year-old student Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo removed the unattended firearm from a restroom after school was dismissed. Police said that timeline was updated after detectives revisited video imaging and conducted a suspect interview.
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According to the department, Sanchez Jaramillo concealed the firearm, removed it from school grounds and shortly afterward transferred possession of the weapon to a 17-year-old juvenile in a neighboring community.
Detectives executed a search warrant Tuesday night in the neighboring community where the stolen handgun was last seen. During the search, detectives found a rail-mounted tactical flashlight that had been attached to the firearm when it was stolen. The department said the item was identified through the light's serial number. An extensive search of the apartment did not locate the handgun, and the juvenile was arrested and taken to the Arlington Heights Police Department.
After reviewing the case with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, police said prosecutors approved one count of felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon in a school, against Sanchez Jaramillo. P
Police said charges approved against the juvenile included one count of felony possession of a stolen firearm, one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon in a school, and a misdemeanor count of theft of lost or mislaid property. The department said the Juvenile Court Act bars the release of additional information about the juvenile.
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The incident at Forest View Educational Center occurred Monday, prompting school closure Tuesday as the gun remains missing.
Arlington Heights police strongly believe there are other with information as to the whereabouts of the stolen handgun, adding that recovery of the gun remains the "highest priority."
Police also said the school resource officer remains on administrative leave and that a formal internal affairs investigation is underway.
Anyone with information to contact Arlington Heights police or a local police department. Anonymous information may be submitted to detectives at 847-368-5300 or by email at policemail@vah.com.
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