LTHS Altercation May Result In Charges: Police

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – An altercation between two girls at Lyons Township High School's South Campus may result in criminal charges, Western Springs police said Monday.

The police department's detectives consider the case their highest priority, Police Chief Brian Budds said.

"This was a disturbing event, no doubt about it," Budds said in an interview. "The police department takes these matters very seriously. I'm confident we're going to get significant closure on this case very soon."

A video of the incident, which took place about 1 p.m. Wednesday in a hallway, has made its way online, Budds said. He said no one was taken to the hospital at the time.

Budds said he realizes the investigation has taken longer than some people would like. But he said police wanted to gather all the evidence, not just the video of the incident. The department, he said, has interviewed a number of witnesses.

"We work in a close partnership with the school," Budds said. "We have a uniformed school resource officer at the school. We have had that arrangement for decades. We don't tolerate any violence."

Incidents at the school, Budds said, are rare.

"Certainly because someone took video of this incident, it will reach a higher level of awareness," the chief said.

On Thursday, Principal Jen Tyrrell said administrators were aware of a social media posting circulating that shows a student assaulting another student. She said the school was working with police.

"Our team is currently working to investigate the situation, obtain additional information, and support students who have been impacted," she said in a message to families. "Lyons Township High School will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of creating an inclusive school culture that focuses on belonging, respect, equity, and empathy. We will continue to stand against all forms of harmful behavior and rhetoric. To that end, please know that LTHS does not tolerate any language, behavior or action that fails to support these ideals. "

South Campus consists of ninth and 10th grades.