File Photo – Woodland Middle School in Gurnee | Photo: Google Street View

Police announced they have identified a juvenile suspect and charges are pending after the child threatened to shoot teachers at a middle school in Gurnee.

The threat appeared to have been posted on a Snapchat user’s story, according to a screenshot sent to Lake and McHenry County Scanner.

The person said that they would be “shootings up woodland” on Monday and also made a negative reference toward Woodland Middle School Principal Tiffany Drake.

“Nobody gon stop me from killing everybody at woodland only aiming at teachers no students but if y’all get caught in the crossfire then so be it,” the message said.

The message ended with, “F–k Woodland District 50 Gurnee.”

Woodland District 50 Superintendent Dr. Robert Machak sent a letter to parents on Friday about the situation.

The superintendent said the school district was working closely with the Gurnee Police Department to investigate the threat.

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Authorities were working with Snapchat to help identify where the threat originated.

“As unsettling as this kind of a social media post and associated hateful language is, we have a threat process that we follow step by step with the Gurnee Police Department and we are following their guidance,” Machak said.

An enhanced police presence at Woodland Middle School was in place due to the threat.

“Thank you to those that saw the message and reported it directly to the school district and to local authorities,” Machak said.

Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said the department thanks parents and students who took immediate action in reporting the threat. “Your vigilance plays a critical role in keeping our community safe.”

Gaylor said in an update on Sunday that a thorough investigation by school resource officers and detectives, along with school administrators, led to the identification of the individual who made the threat.

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“It has been confirmed that the threat is not credible and was made irresponsibly by a juvenile who resides in another state,” Gaylor said.

Charges are pending against the child and no ongoing threat is present.

“While this case resulted from reckless action, we take all threats seriously and will continue to prioritize the safety of our schools,” Gaylor said.