A potential tragedy was averted in Will County, Illinois, thanks to the quick actions of a vigilant family member. On Friday afternoon, a juvenile’s alleged plan to attack an elementary school in the south suburbs was thwarted.
Authorities suspect the young individual was en route to Grand Prairie Elementary School with the intent to carry out a shooting when a relative intervened. The family member found the juvenile armed and promptly notified law enforcement, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office.
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The concerned relative restrained the juvenile while calling 911, allowing deputies to respond swiftly to the location on the 2400 block of Helmar Lane in Plainfield Township, arriving just before 1 p.m. on Friday.
Upon arrival, deputies took the juvenile into custody and discovered a Glock handgun in their possession. Additionally, they found a backpack filled with multiple loaded magazines, knives, an accelerant, gloves, and other suspicious items.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office immediately communicated with the Plainfield Police Department and Plainfield School District 202 to inform them of the serious incident.
As a precautionary measure, there was a heightened police presence at Grand Prairie Elementary School for the rest of the day, which coincidentally marked the last day of the school year.
“The student, a freshman at Plainfield High School-Central Campus, last attended school in December and has a documented history of poor attendance,” a statement from Plainfield School District 202 Superintendent Glenn Wood read in part. “Sheriff’s officials said that a relative discovered the juvenile was armed with a gun and dialed 911 while pinning the juvenile down against the ground. There was no active threat to students or staff because the incident occurred after students were dismissed due to early release.”
The juvenile was taken to a hospital after making suicidal and homicidal statements to first responders on the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
Police said there is no threat to the community, adding that this is an ongoing investigation, and no charges have been filed.
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