Police increase presence at Plainfield South High School over unsubstantiated shooting threat

Plainfield South High School will have increased police presence Friday in response to threat of a possible school shooting that was determined to be unsubstantiated.

In a statement on late Thursday evening, Joliet police officials said the increased presence at the school was being done “out of an abundance of caution due to an unsubstantiated threat that has come to our attention.”

There is no immediate danger and the increased presence was being done as a proactive measure, police said.

“The Joliet Police Department takes all threats seriously and we are working closely with school administration to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” police said.

A liaison detective assigned to Plainfield South High School was notified about a comment made by a student indicating a possible shooting at the school on Friday, said Joliet police Sgt. Dwayne English.

“The threat was found to be unsubstantiated following a preliminary investigation,” English said.

He said the incident remains under investigation.