A 15-year-old student was arrested Wednesday on charges he brought a gun and ammunition into Elgin High School, coincidentally the same day a teen shot 13 people, four fatally, at a high school in Georgia.
The male student was taken into custody about 1 p.m. after an Elgin Police Department school resource officer was notified by high school staff that the teen might be armed, a police department Facebook post said.
An unloaded weapon was taken from the teen without incident and police found 10 rounds of ammunition separate from the firearm, police spokesman Sgt. Mike Martino said.
No threats were made to any students or staff, Martino said.
The student, whose identity was not released because he is a juvenile, faces three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and one of unlawful use of a weapon, according to a post on the Elgin Police Department’s social media. He is being held in the Cook County Youth Detention Center pending a future court date, the police report said.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office did not respond to request for more information on the case.
Police have not had a report of a weapon being found at Elgin High School since 2012, Martino said.
While School District U-46 officials were not available for comment Thursday, Elgin High School Principal Avelira Rodriguez Gonzalez alerted parents to the situation in an email sent Wednesday. She said the district would take disciplinary action against the student.
“The safety of our students and staff is a top priority, and we are grateful for the prompt action of those who reported the situation,” Gonzalez said in the message. “Our school is a safe place, and we must work together to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all.”
She asked parents to speak to their children about “the importance of making good decisions and remind them never to bring any weapon or anything that resembles a weapon to school.” If they do see someone with a weapon, she said, they should notify a trusted adult, teacher, school administrator or police officer.
“Safety is a top priority and everyone’s responsibility,” Gonzalez said. “These deliberate actions are not tolerated and are taken seriously to ensure the safety of our school community.”
Wednesday’s arrest came the same day that 14-year-old Colt Gray, who will be tried for murder as an adult, allegedly killed two 14-year-old students and two teachers using an AR-style rifle in Winder, Georgia, according to police reports. Eight students and one teacher were wounded, reports said.
The fact there was a school shooting on Wednesday wasn’t lost on Elgin police, Martino said.
“We are cognizant of any local or national incidents and the elevated levels of concern which they may foster in our community,” he said.
The Georgia tragedy struck home with parents on social media. One post urged people to “hug your kids,” generating a flood of responses. She added, “Not armed but still. I hate that this is the age we live in. It’s not ok.”
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
