Police Seek Man Who Tried To Get Into Wheaton School

WHEATON, IL — Wheaton Police have issued an alert saying they are still trying to locate a man who tried to get into a Franklin Middle School Thursday afternoon. He is described as a white male in his 50s who was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt, and a black jacket.

According to police, the man knocked on a door to the school and tried to open the door before he unplugged speakers that were playing music for a gym class. Police say there is no danger to the public, despite the fact that the man is not in custody.

Schools in Wheaton were placed on a temporary lockdown and students and staff were not permitted to leave classrooms and visitors were not allowed to enter after a teacher alerted police to the incident around 1:30 p.m.

After an investigation, the lockdown was lifted around 2 p.m. According to police, there is "no ongoing threat to the community."

Police initially said the person who tried to get into the school had been found, but later clarified that the person who was arrested had been tampering with cars near Franklin Middle School and was not the suspect wanted for trying to get access to the school.

In a press release, District 200 officials emphasized that safety is a consistent priority in their schools. Students, parents, and staff are reminded to report any incidents that are suspicious and may indicate a threat.

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