Romeoville Police Aware Of 'Copycat Threats' On Social Media

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Romeoville Police Department said it is aware of and investigating "current copycat threats" being shared on social media.

"These copycat posts have been shared and re-shared throughout Will County, but there has been no indication they are credible," Romeoville Police said on Facebook on Wednesday.

School districts in the Joliet area were impacted by "unfounded" threats earlier this week, and a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl were arrested in Joliet. Both girls were charged with felony disorderly conduct. District 86 in Joliet had moved to e-learning on Monday due to the threats, and Joliet West and Central searched students as they entered the building.

"The Police Department takes any threat against the safety of our students and educators very seriously," Romeoville Police said. "We will continue to investigate these posts and provide additional security measures to the schools until this matter is resolved."

Romeoville Police asked parents to remind their children of the seriousness of originating these messages that "can and will result in felony charges."

"We also encourage parents and children to refrain from sharing these messages online when they are received. Instead, we ask that you report the message, as well as any suspicious activity, to your local Police Department and school official," police said.