Social Media Threat From Out Of State, PNHS Will Be Open Wednesday: District 202

PLAINFIELD, IL — Hours after a search for a possibly armed fugitive prompted a soft lockdown at the campus, District 202 responded to rumors of social media threats against Plainfield North High School. Late Tuesday night, the district said the campus will be open on Wednesday, and that officials are aware of "threats on social media alluding to PNHS" — but the come from out of state.

"The Plainfield police confirm that the threats come from a phone number in IOWA that is linked to school threats there," the district said online Tuesday night.

"School will open and run as normal tomorrow," District 202 said. "Meanwhile, we will continue to work with the police as they continue to work with the FBI to address this situation."

A message sent to parents said "school will be open on Wednesday with increased security as a precautionary measure." (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Earlier in the day, district officials said a six-hour search for a former LaSalle County deputy on Tuesday — which turned up empty — would not affect the school day on Wednesday. Plainfield police said they believe the fugitive, wanted for violating bail bond and an order of protection and charged with aggravated kidnapping and home invasion, is no longer in the Plainfield area.

Earlier this month, the district cautioned parents and community members against spreading unconfirmed rumors of threats online after an unfounded threat at Plainfield Central. Superintendent Lane Abrell also issued a warning about threats of "creepy clowns," noting, "I strongly encourage you to be very cautious about rumors you hear or see on social media about 'creepy clowns.'"