Extra Security at Mundelein High School Following Snapchat Post with Fake Gun Photo, But No Credible Threat
CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar reports on threats made to students at Mundelein High School.
Mundelein police and Mundelein High School authorities responded late last week after a Mundelein High School student reported a Snapchat post that was potentially threatening. Parents also reported the message and photo to authorities, and school officials immediately contacted the Mundelein Police Department. Following a police investigation, two students were arrested. Before the arrests, school officials announced extra precautions would be taken at Mundelein High School on Monday, February 26, 2018.
Two Mundelein High School students were arrested Sunday, February 25, 2018 on charges they created a social media post that showed a photo of a hand holding a gun with a message warning “Mundelein ain’t ready for this.”
Juan Bello, 18, of the block of 800 Walnut in Mundelein, was charged with felony disorderly conduct — a class 4 felony. Also a Mundelein High School student, whose identity was not revealed because he is a minor will be prosecuted in juvenile court.
Both students were also removed from Mundelein High School.
Suspicious Snapchat Post
“Mundelein ain’t ready for this.”
Warned students not to come to school
Showed a gun
According to Mundelein police, both students “indicated there was never any intent of harm meant toward anyone and that this was a matter of poor decision-making on their parts.”
Mundelein Police contacted a relative of the student who actually uploaded the Snapchat post and concluded there is no credible threat to the school. The handgun shown in the photograph was recovered and police determined the handgun fa fake gun, according to Mundelein police.
However, the Mundelein School District made the decision to take precautions. On Monday, February 26, 2018, only the front entrance of the school will be open for students. Staff members will be able to enter on the west side using their electronic keys.
There will also be a visible police presence on school grounds. Police officers will be in the parking lots and at the entrance to the building before and during the school day.
“We are taking this very seriously, because we want to keep making sure we’re doing everything we can to create that safe environment for our students”
Kevin Myers, Mundelein High School District 120 Superintendent
Similar incidents have occurred locally and nationwide, involving actual guns or fake guns possessed or photos downloaded from the Internet. Many of the incidents involved Snapchat.
facebook …
GET ALERTS on Facebook.com/ArlingtonCardinal
GET ALERTS on Facebook.com/CardinalEmergencies
GET ALERTS on Facebook.com/ArlingtonHeightsCrime
Get updates from The Cardinal CRIME BLOG ‘Plus’ on Facebook. Just ‘LIKE’ the ‘Arlington Cardinal Crime & Forensics’ Page (become a fan of our page). The updates cover all posts in the 24/7 Crime Alerts! and sub-categories. See all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages at Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …
Help fund The Cardinal Arlingtoncardinal.com/sponsor