On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Crete Monee High School in Illinois went into a red lockdown after a student reportedly commented on having a gun. The incident caused a large police presence and a lot of panic among the students, staff, and parents. However, it turned out to be a prank by the student, who later admitted to joking about the weapon. No one was harmed and the lockdown was lifted, but the student may face serious consequences for his actions.
Overview of Lockdown at Crete Monee High School
The lockdown at Crete Monee High School was triggered by a student’s remark about having a gun, which was overheard by another student who called the police. The school posted on its website at 12:38 p.m. that officials were investigating the possibility of a weapon inside the building. The school is located at 1515 West Exchange Street in Crete.
The lockdown prompted a heavy police response from multiple agencies, including the Crete Police Department, the Will County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police. Several ambulances were also on the scene, although no injuries were reported. Exchange Street was closed between Sangamon Street and Kings Road due to the law enforcement activity.
The lockdown also sparked rumors of an active shooter situation, which were quickly dismissed by the school and the police. The school said on its website that there was no evidence of shots fired or anyone injured. The police also confirmed that there was no threat to the public and that the situation was under control.
Details of the Incident
According to Crete Police Chief Scott Pieritz, the matter was handled when a student acknowledged to making a joke about possessing a gun. The student was detained so that he or she could be questioned by authorities. All personnel and kids are now free to leave the building once the lockdown was removed. All pupils are accounted for and will be dismissed as usual, according to the school.
After searching the kid and the school, authorities found no weapons and concluded that the incident had been staged. It’s unclear if the kid was trying to sneak out of class or create a commotion with his joke. It is unknown who the pupil is or how old he is, but it is assumed that he is a man.
Possible Consequences
The student who joked about having a gun may face serious consequences for his actions, both legally and academically. The police said that they would consult with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine if any charges would be filed against the student. The student could potentially face criminal charges such as disorderly conduct, making a false report, or inducing panic.
The school district also said that it would take appropriate disciplinary action against the student, in accordance with its policies and procedures. The school district did not specify what kind of punishment the student would receive, but it could range from suspension to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. The school district also said that it would provide counseling and support services to the students and staff who were affected by the incident.
The incident at Crete Monee High School was a scary and stressful experience for everyone involved, but fortunately, it ended peacefully and without any harm. The student who caused the lockdown may have thought it was a harmless joke, but he learned the hard way that it was not a laughing matter. The incident serves as a reminder that jokes about weapons or violence are not funny and can have serious consequences.
