School Threat Culprit ID'd, Joliet PD Warns Against False Threats

JOLIET — Social media threats over the weekend, vowing to shoot up Joliet's schools caused District 86 and Troy to close their building and do an elearning day while Joliet West and Joliet Central continued to with a normal school day but requiring all students to undergo searches for weapon. On Monday morning, Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English issued a press release indicating that the culprit of these social media rumors has been identified.

According to English's press release, shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Joliet Police Department was made aware of a threat that was circulating on social media in which several Joliet area schools were identified.

To date, no credible evidence has been found to support the threat, but he Joliet Police Department takes any threat very seriously as the safety of all students and staff at our local schools is paramount.

"We have been working closely with school officials from various Joliet area school districts to assist in mitigating this incident," English noted.

Joliet Police detectives investigated this threat throughout the night. While their investigation remains open and active, detectives have identified the origin of the social media threat.

"At this point in their investigation, detectives have found no credibility to this threat," English said.

The Joliet Police Department said it is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our schools, officials said. Making false threats is not only harmful, but also a serious criminal offense. In the coming days, police will be providing an increased presence around Joliet area schools during arrival and dismissal times.

Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or the non-emergency line at 815-726-2491. Further information will be provided once it becomes available.

On Sunday, Joliet Township High School District said it was "aware of a social media threat that is circulating that states all schools in Joliet will have '2 students with a weapon inside each school,'" and that all students would be searched upon entering schools.

Nearby Troy School District and Joliet Grade School District 86 schools moved to elearning in the wake of the threats on Monday.