Man in Custody After Plainfield Central Lockdown

A 64-year-old man is in custody tonight after police received a call from him saying he was going to shoot people, according to Plainfield Police Chief John Konopek. No injuries were reported in the incident and no shots were fired.

Konopek said the man had called Plainfield police and said he was going to shoot anyone who came near him and any police who responded.

Police then went to the location of the call at 15412 S. James Street.

When police arrived, the man walked outside and around his home and in the street for 20 minutes while holding a toy gun, placing it under his chin and to his head. The orange tip normally found on toy guns was reportedly painted black.

“It was all black and resembled a firearm,” Konopek said. “We didn’t know it was a toy gun until we took him into custody.”

Police were able to talk the man down and he surrendered. He was taken to a local hospital.

Konopek said police negotiated with the man for between 30 to 45 minutes. The entire length of the incident was around one hour.

Police are still investigating and charges may be forthcoming.

“We’re going to confer with the state’s attorney’s office and then they’ll make the determination if they want to proceed with charges,” Konopek said.

Plainfield Central High School was placed on lockdown at around 5:35 p.m., according to Plainfield School District 202 Director of Communications Tom Hernandez. It was lifted at around 6:10 p.m., shortly after police had arrested the man.

Konopek said there were a lot of kids outside the school for sports and band. Police ushered the football, tennis and soccer teams, as well as band members, into the building from the playing fields and tennis courts where they were practicing.

Plainfield School District Superintendent Dr. Lane Abrell said incidents like this are the reason they rely on public safety.

“We are grateful for their quick and decisive action in the interests of our students and staff,” Abrell said.