Two Girls Charged With For Making Threats Against Joliet Schools

Two girls are charged with disorderly conduct for making threats against Joliet schools. Joliet Police say they were made aware Sunday night of a threat that was circulating on social media in which several Joliet area schools were identified. Detectives learned that a 14-year-old was involved in creating the bogus threat on social media. The Joliet West High School student was then arrested. Additionally, a 12-year-old female was also taken into custody after investigators determined she was responsible for a social media threat involving Dirksen Junior High. Detectives found no evidence of a credible threat.

Joliet Police press release below:

(Joliet, Illinois – September 16, 2024) – A 14-year-old female has been arrested, processed, and  released to a parent for Felony Disorderly Conduct – Transmitting a Threat of Destruction of  School Property or Violence, Death or Bodily Harm Against Persons at School. 

Following an intensive investigation of this incident which included threats of harm to specific  schools in the Joliet area being shared on social media channels, Detectives identified a 14-year old female as a possible suspect and the possible origin of this threat. Detectives met with the  juvenile and her mother at their home on September 15, 2024. No weapons or other contraband  were located following a search of the 14-year-old female’s room. She was later questioned by  Detectives at the Joliet Police Department, and she was released pending further investigation of  this incident. Detectives found no evidence of a credible threat, at this time.  

In the late afternoon hours of September 16, 2024, the 14-year-old female was transported back  to the Joliet Police Department by her mother. Upon further questioning, the female indicated  her involvement in creating the bogus threat on social media. She was then placed into custody  without incident. Detectives determined that the 14-year-old was a student at Joliet West High School. At no time in this investigation was any evidence either discovered or revealed that  indicated that this was a credible threat.  

Additionally, a 12-year-old female was also arrested, processed, and released to a parent for  Felony Disorderly Conduct. 

As Joliet Police Detectives investigated the original threat indicating harm to Joliet area schools,  they learned of an additional social media threat that involved Dirksen Junior High in Joliet. 

During this investigation, Detectives identified a 12-year-old female as the person responsible  for this social media threat. This threat was deemed to be unfounded. The 12-year-old was  placed into custody without incident at her residence. She was transported to the Joliet Police  Department for processing and was subsequently released to the care of a parent. 

The Joliet Police Department takes all threats directed towards our schools and students very  seriously. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our community, and we work closely  with all of our educational partners to address any potential threats swiftly and thoroughly. 

We appreciate the prompt response and vigilance of the public in bringing these concerns to our  attention. We are currently aware of additional, similar copycat posts circulating on social media. 

Rest assured, these incidents are under active investigation. At this time, none of these posts have  been found to be credible threats. 

The safety and well-being of our students, educators, and the entire community remain our top  priority. We encourage the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity, but also  to stay informed and avoid the spread of unverified information. 

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(Joliet, Illinois – September 16, 2024) – Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on September 15, 2024, the Joliet  Police Department was made aware of a threat that was circulating on social media in which  several Joliet area schools were identified. To date, no credible evidence has been found to  support this threat, however the Joliet Police Department takes any threat very seriously as the  safety of all students and staff at our local schools is paramount. We have been working closely  with school officials from various Joliet area school districts to assist in mitigating this incident. 

Joliet Police Detectives investigated this threat throughout the night. While their investigation  remains open and active, Detectives have identified the origin of the social media threat. At this  point in their investigation, Detectives have found no credibility to this threat. 

The Joliet Police Department recognizes the anxiety that these incidents create in our  community, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our schools.  Making false threats is not only harmful but also a serious criminal offense. In the coming days,  Officers will be providing an increased presence around Joliet area schools during arrival and  dismissal times. Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or the  non-emergency line at (815)726-2491. Further information will be provided once it becomes  available.