A 13-year-old was arrested and charged after bringing a loaded gun to a middle school in Gurnee, resulting in a lockdown and police response Friday morning.
Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Friday.
Viking Middle School, located at 4460 Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee, was placed on soft lockdown following reports of a gun on the school premises.
School officials promptly notified authorities, leading to the immediate response of the Gurnee Police Department, Gaylor said.
The school resource officer, who was already present on campus, was joined by additional officers and detectives to investigate.
Gaylor said initial reports indicated that a student overheard another student discussing the possession of a weapon.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office sent a canine unit to assist law enforcement conducting a search of the school.
A loaded handgun was discovered in a student’s locker and safely recovered by police.
Gaylor said a 13-year-old boy, who is a student, was identified as a suspect and taken into custody.
The student was transported to the Gurnee Police Department for questioning and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon in a school.
“Following a comprehensive investigation, it was determined there were no credible threats to other students or school staff,” Gaylor said.
The soft lockdown was lifted a short time later. The student involved has since been released to the custody of their parents.
“We commend the swift action of school officials, the collaboration of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the professionalism of all responding officers,” Gurnee Police Chief Brian Smith said.
“The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority, and we continue to work diligently to ensure a safe learning environment for all students,” Smith said.