Student's Joke Of Gun Inside Crete-Monee HS Prompts Lockdown: PD

CRETE, IL — A large police presence reported at Crete-Monee High School Wednesday afternoon was in response to a student's joke about having a gun inside the school, officials said via social media.

The school went into a "red lockdown"—with students sheltered in place in classrooms, and windows and doors locked and barricaded—around 12:30 p.m., after reports of a weapon possibly inside the building. Crete-Monee District 201-U officials said that report was determined unfounded.

"Out of an abundance of caution, CMHS went into a red lockdown until we could investigate the situation," officials said. "The local police department has been onsite to assist. The investigation at CMHS is complete and the rumor was unfounded. Police will remain on the scene and the lockdown has been lifted. We request that parents and guardians allow for a smooth dismissal."

A student admitted to the "joke," Crete Police Chief Scott Pieritz shared on social media.

"Multiple agencies responded and we initiated response with school personnel," he wrote after the incident. "A student admitted to joking about having a gun. All students are safe and we are initiating students coming back in building."

Crete-Monee High School serves students in University Park, Monee, Crete and Park Forest.