Officials say a bomb threat made toward an elementary school in Highland Park was part of emailed threats made to buildings nationwide and a motive for them is unknown.
The Highland Park Police Department and Highland Park Fire Department responded around 7:40 a.m. Thursday to Red Oak Elementary School, 530 Red Oak Lane, for a report of a bomb threat.
The City of Highland Park said in a statement that a large police presence was at the school to facilitate an investigation.
Residents in the immediate area were advised to avoid Red Oak Lane, which was closed at Rosemary Road and Ridge Road.
North Shore School District 112 delayed the start time for students by two hours due to the threat.
Investigators learned a local news organization reported receiving an email indicating a bomb threat at the school.
The investigation showed similar emails threatening other public buildings across the country were sent to a number of organizations nationwide within the same timeframe.
City officials said around 10:30 a.m. Thursday police personnel and a team of explosive-detecting dogs conducted a search.
The search did not locate any devices in the school and the threat was deemed not credible.
The school district reported that Red Oak School would resume normal operations at 11:30 a.m.
The police department is increasing patrols and visits to all Highland Park schools following the incident.
No definitive motive can be established yet, city officials said.
The Highland Park Police Department is investigating the incident with local, state and federal partners.