Student Arrested For Sending Threatening Messages: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL -- A Round Lake teen is in custody after posting threatening messages on a social media application, which were sent to several Fremont Middle School students and referenced the Columbine school shooting, according to authorities. The Lake County Sheriff's Office learned of the messages and launched an investigation. Deputies spoke with a 13-year-old student at Fremont Middle School who indicated he sent the messages as a joke, according to a news release.

Detectives learned he was in possession of ammunition, police said. During the investigation, they also learned the teen allegedly stole a firearm from a family member a year ago. After stealing the firearm, the teen threw it into a body of water.

The firearm was recovered a short time later by the family member it was stolen from, authorities said.

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Authorities also learned the teen received the ammunition from a 13-year-old from Round Lake, according to the news release. Authorities did not find any firearms on either teens. Police do not think the teen who provided the ammunition participated in sending the threatening messages, according to the news release.

Both juveniles were arrested and taken to the Hulse Juvenile Detention Facility in Vernon Township.

The teen accused of sending the threatening messages has been charged with disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful possession of a firearm for the incident that occurred about a year ago.

The teen accused of providing the ammunition has been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition.

As a precaution, and to ensure students, staff, and parents feel safe, there is an extra police presence at Fremont Middle School. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with administrators from Fremont School District 79 regarding this investigation, according to authorities.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK