Robbery Attempt Near Northbrook Schools Prompts Soft Lockdowns

NORTHBROOK, IL — Two schools in Northbrook briefly implemented soft lockdown procedures Thursday after a report of a robbery attempt at a nearby business, according to police and school officials.

Police said a report that suspects in an attempted robbery in the 1800 block of Janke Drive prompted the precautionary decision. The move was first made by Glenbrook North High School administrators after the Northbrook police officer stationed at the school heard about the incident on his radio, according to Police Chief Roger Adkins.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., police then called administrators at nearby Maple School to let them know of the situation. They then decided to implement their lock-in procedures, according to school officials.

During such a "suspended schedule," students and staff are ordered to remain inside the building. No one may enter or exit, but otherwise school operations continue as normal.

After about 15 minutes, Northbrook police let officials at both schools know the situation was safe enough to return to normal activities, according to administrators.

No one is in custody in connection with the incident. Adkins said police got information shortly before the lockdown ended that a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's getaway car was seen entering Chicago on the highway.

"So with that information and our officers being present and checking the area, we knew it was safe," Adkins said. "Then we notified the school and then they lifted it."