Unloaded firearm found in locker at Ottawa High School, 2 students given juvenile referrals

A firearm was found in a locker at Ottawa High School on Tuesday afternoon and two students have been given juvenile referrals by police.

The student believed to have brought the weapon into the school, along with another student believed to have knowledge of it, were taken to the Ottawa Police Department while the school’s resource officer continued to investigate at the school, police said in a Tuesday evening news release.

As a result of the investigation, juvenile referrals were completed for both students on complaints of unlawful use of a weapon, in that police said they each had been in possession of the same firearm. The student suspected of bringing the weapon into the school was taken to the La Salle County Juvenile Detention Facility, while the other student was released to their parent.

Superintendent Michael Cushing issued a statement Tuesday to parents within the district, notifying them of the situation. Following rumors circulating in the building and online, the Ottawa Police Department assisted school staff in the investigation, Cushing said. No ammunition was found in the locker or the immediate area surrounding the firearm, Cushing said.

“Based on the information we have at this time, it appears to be an isolated incident,” Cushing said.

Police echoed Cushing, saying the incident is believed to be isolated with no continued threat to the students, staff or community. The matter remains under investigation by OTHS administration and the Ottawa Police Department. The Ottawa Police Department was assisted by the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office.