Gun Found In Locker At Richards High School, Student Arrested: Police

OAK LAWN, IL — Richards High School in Oak Lawn went on lockdown Friday morning when a handgun was found in a student’s locker, school officials said. The student was taken into police custody and charges are pending.

Oak Lawn police described the student as a “male juvenile.” No age was given.

During the high school’s fourth period around 11 a.m., Richards principal Mike Jacobson told parents in an email that he had a student’s locker searched when a strong odor of marijuana was detected. Staff found a handgun in the student’s coat pocket.

“That student has been searched and arrested and will no longer be on our campus,” Jacobson stated. “Out of an abundance of caution, I had several other students and lockers searched. We found nothing else.”

The principal said there was no reason to believe that the student brought the gun to campus to be used but “we never know a student’s intention and will treat it with full severity. I realize how disturbing it is to receive this news, but we will always give our community all the information.”

Although the incident is a reminder of how alarming the current world can sometimes be, Jacobson continued, “it also reminds us how we can be a safe campus when we take the proactive measures we take here daily.”

Police officers remained visible in the building throughout the remainder of the day. Parents picking up their children can expect to see an increased police presence inside and outside the school building as a precautionary measure.

This story was updated with new information.