Joliet West High School searched after rumor of weapon on campus

Joliet West High School was on a “secure-and-hold” protocol for more than three hours Friday afternoon in reaction to a rumor of a weapon on the campus.

“At around 12:45 p.m., Joliet West High School was placed on a secure-and-hold protocol due to a rumor that there is a weapon in the building at West campus,” said Kristine Schlismann, director of community relations for Joliet Township School District 204. “The campus was searched, and no weapon was found. Law enforcement has determined this rumor to be unsubstantiated.”

Families were told about 4 p.m. that they could pick up their students and bus transportation would resume as normal.

Officers responded to the school, 401 N. Larkin Ave., about 12:30 p.m. after a report of an unsubstantiated rumor of a person with a gun on the premises, Joliet police said.

“Due to the nature of this information, officers completed a thorough and methodical search of the premises and found no threat. School officials placed the school on a secure-and-hold while the search took place,” Joliet Police Department posted on its Facebook page.

Officers remained on the campus as students were dismissed.

Parents were told not to come to the school until the school received the all-clear from law enforcement.

Joliet police Sgt. Dwayne English told The Herald-News that officers were conducting “an extensive search of the premises” after an “unsubstantiated rumor of someone with a firearm at the school.”

“We thank our students, staff and law enforcement for their cooperation, and our families for their patience,” the school posted on its website.

After-school activities – including the home football game – and events were scheduled to continue as normal “unless otherwise communicated by a coach or sponsor,” according to the website.

Asked whether police would have increased presence at the Friday night football game, English said, “There are 12 officers that were already assigned to work the football game.”