Used Bullet Casing Found Near Ridge Early Childhood Center

OAK FOREST, IL — An empty, used bullet casing was found Friday morning on the grounds near Ridge Early Childhood Center, according to Forest Ridge Elementary School District 142. Oak Forest police did a walk-through in and around the center in the 5100 block of West 149th Street and determined the grounds were safe for students and staff, an alert from the school district stated.

The shell casing was recovered by investigators, and police don't believe there's a threat posed to students or staff at Ridge or any of the other schools in District 142, the school system said. Officers, however, will keep "a close presence" throughout the district.

Parent-teacher conferences previously scheduled for Friday afternoon will still be held, the district said. But visitors at any school now will be asked to identify themselves at the building's office and say who they are meeting.

"With police guidance and the safety of all in mind, we will be erring on the side of caution," the district alert stated.

Officials urged parents and residents to call 911 if they witness "someone or something that looks out of place."

"Our goal – as always – is the safety and security of your children," the school system's alert stated.

Image via Forest Ridge Elementary School District 142