Weapons At Joliet West Led To Joliet Police Arrest Of Student, 17

JOLIET — A 17-year-old Joliet West High School student was arrested, processed and released to a parent on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal trespass to a Safe School Zone, the Joliet Police Department said Monday afternoon.

According to police spokesman Dwayne English, at 9:29 a.m. on Friday, the Joliet Police School Liaison Officer was notified by Joliet West High School officials that an empty rifle magazine had been located in a men’s restroom at the school on Larkin Avenue.

The officer recovered the magazine from a garbage can as well as a steak knife from a toilet.

Further investigation revealed that the 17-year-old boy had been escorted by a security officer to the Dean’s Office regarding an unrelated matter. Police said they believe that the student used the restroom during this escort and later reported the presence of the empty magazine and knife to school officials.

After being questioned, the 17-year-old student admitted to placing the items in that bathroom after inadvertently bringing them to school. The 17-year-old was then placed into custody without incident. After notifying a parent, officers searched the student’s bedroom at his residence and no weapons or ammunition were located, English noted.

"While there was never an active threat to students or staff, school officials quickly notified the Joliet Police Department and additional officers were called to the scene out of an abundance of caution," police said.