Schools
D219 Student Charged With Felony For Making Online Threat
The threat was described as "nonspecific," and a District 219 principal said the district does not believe there is any remaining threat.
Skokie police have charged a District 219 student with felony disorderly conduct after the student made an online threat--described as a nonspecific threat--against the district.
District 219 posted the information on its website. Skokie police had not released a statement as of 10 p.m. Monday, and there was no mention of the arrest on the police report dated Oct. 28.
The statement did not identify the student, nor give the student's age, gender or year in school. It also did not say which District 219 school the student attends, but since the statement was signed by Dr. Jason Ness, principal of Niles West High School, it is possible the student is in attendance there.
Niles West News, a school newspaper, reported that according to Skokie police, the threat was "liked and shared" online, though there was no information about whether it appeared on a social media site, or if so, which one.
The statement from the district follows.
Niles West Principal Dr. Jason Ness released the following statement to faculty and staff on October 28, 2013:
"Last night (10/27/13) we were contacted by the Skokie Police Department and became aware of a nonspecific threat made by a student over the internet against District 219. The student who allegedly made the threat has been identified and charged with felony disorderly conduct.
Such an incident is always alarming, and certainly more so because of the school context. It is important for our students and staff to understand that we take any threat seriously and will investigate the matter to the fullest extent.
Based on current information from the Skokie Police Department, the student was acting alone and we do not believe that there is any threat to the building.
Our top priority is the safety and security of our students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. We discourage anyone from engaging in speculation or gossip regarding this matter. We will release further details when available.
Thank you for your cooperation." -Dr. Ness
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Such an incident is always alarming, and certainly more so because of the school context. It is important for our students and staff to understand that we take any threat seriously and will investigate the matter to the fullest extent.
Based on current information from the Skokie Police Department, the student was acting alone and we do not believe that there is any threat to the building.
Our top priority is the safety and security of our students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. We discourage anyone from engaging in speculation or gossip regarding this matter. We will release further details when available.
Thank you for your cooperation." -Dr. Ness
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