Gun Brought To Evanston School Was Stolen From Car The Prior Night

EVANSTON, IL — The gun that a student brought to an Evanston middle school on Monday had been stolen from a car the night before, police said.

A 13-year-old Evanston boy has been charged in juvenile court with one count of unlawful use of a weapon on school grounds for bringing a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol to Chute Middle School, 1400 Oakton St., according to police.

After the boy showed the gun to classmates, one of them notified school staff, who were able to disarm him before officers arrived, police said. Investigators determined there was no threat to students or staff.

The gun turned out to have been stolen from a car in the 100 block of Callan Avenue sometime after 11 p.m. Sunday, according to Cmdr. Ryan Glew.

The car's owner reported finding the door to their possibly unlocked car had been left partially ajar and discovering the gun had been taken from the unlocked glove box, Glew said.

Police and prosecutors do not intend to pursue charges over the car burglary.

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Following Monday's incident, which triggered a soft lockdown at Chute, district staff sent a letter to parents expressing gratitude for the response of police and school staff to the armed student.

"We are also extending our appreciation to the student who brought this forward, it said. "As in all of our schools, we work to create safe and supportive environments where there are trusting relationships among students and staff."

Related: 13-Year-Old Brings Gun To Middle School In Evanston, Police Say