DECATUR — Police say an investigation into threats of violence at Decatur-area schools led to the arrest of two youths, ages 11 and 13, and the seizure of multiple firearms at the older child's home.
Authorities with multiple law enforcement agencies and school districts across Macon County confirmed on Wednesday night that they were investigating threats directed at multiple local schools that circulated on social media. Officers stationed near campuses on Thursday sought to provide additional police presence and security.
The Decatur Police Department arrested the youths after investigating two separate threats received Wednesday: one directed at Stephen Decatur Middle School and one that did not identify a specific school target, according to Lt. Scott Rosenbery.
The 13-year-old was arrested in connection with the threats toward the middle school, and was detained at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center on a disorderly conduct charge tied to making a school threat.
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The 11-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the second threat, Rosenbery said, but could not be detained because of age-related restrictions outlined instate law. The child was involuntarily admitted to a local hospital, he said, and would also face a disorderly conduct charge in juvenile court.
Further identifying details were not released because those charged are younger than 18.
Police executed search warrants at the homes of both youths, Rosenbery said. They did not find any guns at the 11-year-old's residence.
At the 13-year-old's residence, police seized multiple firearms that were owned by one of the suspect's family members who has a valid Firearm Owners Identification card, Rosenbery said. He added that the same 13-year-old was involved just last month in a separate incident involving a similar threat.
The two youths are not believed to have collaborated, according to Rosenbery. The second threat is believed to be a potential "copycat "incident.
The local agencies were not alone. Law enforcement leaders in communities across the country reported similar threats of violence on Wednesday, a date synonymous with tragedy for Americans recognizing the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Wednesday's threats came one week after two students and two teachers were killed, and nine other people injured, in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia.
A 14-year-old, Colt Gray, is charged with murder in the case, and father Colin Gray is accused of second-degree murder for providing his son with a semiautomatic AR 15-style rifle. Local law enforcement interviewed them both last year while investigating whether the younger Gray had posted an online threat, a tip they were ultimately unable to substantiate.
Among the school threats reported in local media outlets across the country on Wednesday:
- Threats against multiple school districts in North Texas led to increased police patrols near campuses and rescheduling of several football games.
- Authorities in San Diegosaid they were working with other agencies to investigate threats made this week against multiple elementary, middle and high schools across the city of over 1.3 million.
- At least one school in St. Paul, Minnesota, announced it would cancel classes Thursday because of shooting threat.
- Roughly a dozen schools in the Pittsburgh area received threats this week, authorities said, with several placed on lockdowns as a result.
The Macon County investigation remains ongoing.Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Decatur Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Crimestoppers at 217-423-8477.
Law enforcement, school districts respond
The following statements were issued Wednesday night after threats directed at multiple Macon County schools.
"District administration and the Board of Education has been notified of the threat posted on social media towards Decatur Public Schools and other school districts in Illinois. We appreciate the swift action that was taken by students, parents, administration, staff, and law enforcement, to report and investigate the alleged threat.
"The District takes all threats seriously and any identified individuals will be dealt with accordingly. The District will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. As an additional safety precaution, District 61 will place all schools on a 'hold in place,' which means there will be limited visitor access to our schools and restricted movement within the schools.
"There may also be additional police presence at our schools. If you see or hear anything that would be helpful to the investigation, please contact the Decatur Police Department."
"The Macon County Sheriffs Office is aware of photographs of a list of schools in Macon County and the City of Decatur with threats of a shooting attached to them. The Decatur Police Department is actively investigating this incident and the Macon County Sheriffs Office will assist them in any way that we can.
"All law enforcement agencies take this kind of threat extremely seriously, and as the investigation continues we will assist with protective cautions as requested by local school districts. Be aware that over the last several days these same types of threats have occurred in other jurisdictions around the state, but have not resulted in any actual incidents occurring."
Maroa-ForsythSuperintendent Adam Ibbotson
"Our district and administration have been made aware of the social media threats made this evening toward local schools and other school districts in Illinois. We have been in contact with Maroa Police, and they are communicating with other local law enforcement agencies to investigate the credibility and source of the threat.
"We are unaware of any threat made to Maroa-Forsyth schools at this time. However, out of an abundance of caution, we will have additional police presence in addition to our daily school resource officers at both campuses. Your student’s safety is our top priority."
"The Mt Zion Police Department is aware of the recent threats made on social media that were directed toward area schools, including schools in Mt Zion. We are following up leads and working with other local agencies to track down the source of these posts. At this time no information has been uncovered that substantiates these threats. However, we take them very seriously and will have an extra police presence at our schools.
"Anyone with direct knowledge of where these threatening posts originated please contact the Mt Zion Police Department, Decatur Police Department, or the Macon County Sheriff’s Office."
"There is a Facebook post stating a threat to our district and many others including Decatur, WL, Sangamon Valley, and MTZ. All local, county, and state law enforcement are working together. There has been no update from law enforcement if this is credible or not, but it will be taken seriously. Everyone will be informed as we get information.
Student safety is our number one priority, and we will continue to investigate with law enforcement. Thank you for your continued support to keep our children safe."
Warrensburg-Latham Superintendent Cheryl Warner
"This evening, WL along with other surrounding districts, were made aware of an alleged social media threat to school safety. All districts along with multiple local law enforcement agencies are working collaboratively to investigate the post. The Decatur Police Department Cyber Crimes Team is involved and is working to identify the individual responsible for the post.
"Thank you to those of you who have provided information to the district via email and the crisis tip line. Your reports are vital and extremely appreciated. Student safety is our top priority and working together as a community assists us all in staying safe."
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