Plainfield Student’s Plot to Attack Joliet Grand Prairie Elementary Thwarted by Relative, Says Will Co. Sheriff

WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — Authorities have filed charges following the thwarting of an alleged school shooting plot by a high school student in the south suburbs. The intervention came thanks to a family member who took action, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 22, investigators claim the juvenile was en route to Grand Prairie Elementary School with plans to execute a shooting. It was then that a relative discovered the student was armed, reported the Sheriff’s Office.

In a dramatic intervention, the family member restrained the juvenile and called 911, alerting authorities to the threat. Sheriff’s deputies quickly responded to the situation at a residence in the 2400 block of Helmar Lane, Plainfield Township, arriving just before 1 p.m.

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Upon arrival, deputies apprehended the youth and confiscated a Glock handgun. They also discovered a backpack filled with several loaded magazines, knives, an accelerant, gloves, and other potentially dangerous items.

Following the incident, the sheriff’s office notified both the Plainfield Police Department and the Plainfield School District 202 to ensure the safety and awareness of the community involved.

The sheriff’s office informed the Plainfield Police Department and Plainfield School District 202 about the incident.

There was an increased police presence at the school for the remainder of the day, which was the last day of school.

“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.

Officials said the suspect, who has not bene named, was released from the hospital Thursday, nearly two weeks after the incident, and was charged with ” Attempt First Degree Murder, Attempt Making a Terrorist Threat, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of Firearm Ammunition Without Requisite FOID Card, Unlawful Possession of Weapons,” and “2 Counts of Unlawful Use of Weapons.”

He is being held at River Valley Justice Detention Center and will appear in court Friday.

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].