Old Quarry, Lemont Police Respond to Threatening Statement from Student

The and administrators responded to an alleged threatening statement made by a student Wednesday night, police said.

Old Quarry Principal Bill Caron sent the following email to parents Thursday:

"On Wednesday evening, October 12, 2011, both Old Quarry administration and the Lemont Police Department were made aware of an alleged threatening statement made by an Old Quarry Middle School student. We take statements, alleged or confirmed, very seriously. I met with the parents, student and police department to discuss the situation and devise a plan of action. We followed our safety protocols and procedures to determine if there was any danger to our students and staff in order to take appropriate safety measures.

"At this time we have taken the necessary disciplinary action against the student alleged to have made this statement and continue to investigate the matter. We are confident that our school, students and staff are safe and secure based on the actions taken today by the administration of Old Quarry Middle School, parents of the student and the Lemont Police Department.

"As always, should you or your child feel threatened or disturbed by comments or actions on the part of our students, we encourage you to let the school officials know immediately. Likewise, concerned citizens may also contact the Lemont Police for assistance.

"Our priority in this situation was, and continues to be, the safety of all members of the Old Quarry learning community. We will continue to inform you of any further development if necessary."

In a phone interview Friday morning, Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy declined to comment on the nature of the threat due to the age of the student involved. However, precautions were taken to ensure the safety of all students and staff at Old Quarry, he said.

"We played a supporting role to the school, and I believe the situation has been addressed with the student and his or her parents," Shaughnessy said. "We take these situations very seriously, and I believe the school has done everything necessary to keep everyone safe."

Caron declined comment on the situation.