Anonymous 'Swatting' Calls Prompt Weapon Search At Buffalo Grove High School

Police found no credible threat after reports of a student with a potential weapon in a school restroom.

By Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff

Aug 19, 2026 1:31 PM CDT | Updated Aug 19, 2026 2:53 PM CDT

Principal Jeff Wardle told families the school returned to its regular schedule about 20 minutes after the Secure and Teach began. (Google Maps)

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Anonymous calls that police said were consistent with a "swatting" incident prompted a search of Buffalo Grove High School Wednesday after authorities received a report of a student with a potential weapon in a restroom.

Buffalo Grove police said officers responded to the school at about 11:43 a.m. and worked with administrators to secure the building while conducting a systematic search.

The school was placed in a Secure and Teach, a safety protocol in which doors are locked while instruction continues inside.

Police completed the search and determined there was no credible threat to the school, students or staff. Normal operations resumed at about 12:15 p.m.

"The initial investigation shows the threat notifications were made from anonymous numbers, consistent with other 'swatting' type calls," the village said in a statement.

No weapon was found, according to the police account released by the village.

Additional Police Presence Remained

Buffalo Grove police said officers would maintain an increased presence at the school for the remainder of the day as a precaution.

The department also thanked Arlington Heights police for providing assistance during the response.

Earlier Wednesday, Buffalo Grove High School Principal Jeff Wardle notified families that the school had gone into a Secure and Teach after police received the potential-weapon report.

Wardle told families that police ultimately determined the threat was not credible and that the school resumed its normal schedule at approximately 12:15 p.m.

District 214 separately confirmed to Patch that Wardle's message was an official communication sent to Buffalo Grove High School families.

"The BGPD takes all reports involving potential weapons or threats to schools seriously and will continue to work closely with school officials to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community," the department said.

Police said additional information would be released if it becomes available.