Peotone’s Police Chief took to social media late in the afternoon on Thursday, February 8. He said the alleged threat was brought to the attention of authorities late Wednesday evening and an investigation was conducted immediately involving Peotone Police, the Will County Sheriff’s Department, and the Peotone School District Administration.
Through the investigation, it was determine there was no credible threat to begin with, rather just rumors of a threat that had magnified as it was spread among students on social media. DeMik said the content of those rumors had changed, as well.
It was determine a single student was not at fault, rather an “aggregation” of youth passing rumors.
While there was no specific threat, the Peotone Police Department assigned officers to affected buildings in order “to promote extra security and a safe environment.”
Peotone Superintendent Steve Stein issued the following statement, “I would like to thank the Peotone Police Department and the Will County Sheriff’s office for their quick and professional attention. Please know we take even a rumor regarding the threat of a gun with the utmost seriousness, as the safety of our students and staff is of primary importance.”
Many parents took to Facebook to voice their concerns regarding the safety of the situation and vowed to attend the next school board meeting. Many students did not attend school today or left early.