Student Tells Teacher Of Social Media Threats To Shoot Up School

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL -- Chicago Ridge police cleared a junior high school of a security threat after a student purportedly threatened to “shoot people at the school” on social media. Police said the school never went into a lock down setting. The messages were apparently reported by a student to a teacher.

According to a police news release, a juvenile sent several disturbing social media messages to friends last Thursday. A student who received the messages reported it to a teacher. There was no immediate threat or harm to students and staff. As a precaution, school administrators took action in assuring the safety of the students and staff.

Police beefed up their presence around Chicago Ridge schools. Following an investigation, Chicago Ridge juvenile investigators confirmed that the student did not have any firearms, nor did his parents. Investigations reviewed the incident with the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, who requested that the student be held in custody for a hearing over the weekend. Police aren’t releasing the juvenile’s name.

“This incident was learned from a student who did the right thing. When someone makes a threat such as this, they tell a trusted adult,” Chicago Ridge police said in a written statement. “This person heard the threats and told a teacher. In frustration, investigators learned that there were others that also heard the threats and didn’t say anything. It is highly suggested to parents to speak with their children about statements made and how they need to speak up in situations like this.”

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