Two Girls Arrested After Threats Force Joliet Schools to Transition to Remote Learning

Joliet authorities confirm no danger currently exists amid heightened security concerns following threats posted on social media

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JOLIET, Ill. – A 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl were arrested following threats that led Joliet District 86 and other nearby schools to switch to remote learning on Monday. The Joliet Police Department is investigating the case after online threats sparked concerns among parents, students, and school officials.

Detectives initially identified the 14-year-old as a potential suspect and met with her and her mother at their home on Sunday. After searching the girl’s room, officers found no weapons and did not identify any credible threat at that time. The girl was questioned at the Joliet Police Department and released. However, on Monday afternoon, the girl’s mother returned with her daughter to the station, where the student admitted to being involved in creating the online threat. The 14-year-old, a student at Joliet West High School, was arrested and charged with Felony Disorderly Conduct for transmitting a threat of destruction of school property and violence.

A second arrest followed after police linked a 12-year-old girl to an additional threat involving Dirksen Junior High School. The threat was also deemed unfounded, and officers took the girl into custody at her home. She was processed at the Joliet Police Department for Felony Disorderly Conduct and later released to a parent.

Despite the lack of credible evidence, one of the online threats claimed that armed students would be present in all of Joliet’s schools. Joliet Public School District 86 quickly responded by reverting to e-learning as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Joliet Township High School District 204’s two schools conducted student searches as they arrived for class.

In response to the social media post threatening violence at local schools, Joliet Public Schools District 86 transitioned to e-learning on Monday, impacting all 21 of its schools. The shift affected nearly 9,000 students as a precaution, according to officials.

District 86 Superintendent Theresa Rouse stated, "Out of an abundance of caution, all Joliet District 86 schools will be closed today, Monday, September 16, 2024, and an e-learning day will be used. The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority."

Joliet Township High School remained open on Monday, but attendance was significantly lower than usual, and additional security measures were put in place. The school district plans to return to normal operations on Tuesday, pending further developments in the investigation.

Joliet Central High School, which also remained open, had buses arriving mostly empty, with only a few students entering the campus. "There usually be a lot of people right now and ain’t nobody really here," said Joliet Central sophomore Jerkur Sellers. One bus driver noted that only five of his usual 35 students showed up.

The Joliet Police Department investigated the origin of the threats while increasing its presence around schools. While no credible evidence could be found, authorities emphasized their commitment to safety. Joliet Township High School District 204 also took precautionary measures, including student searches, before determining the threat lacked merit.

Parents, too, expressed their concern. Amber Duffy, a local coffee shop owner, kept her son home after discussing the situation with other parents. “He was a little scared… his friends are texting him saying their moms are letting them stay home… I went with my gut feeling and the safer route of staying home as well,” Duffy explained.

Police first disclosed the threats over the weekend, confirming they had surfaced online. While authorities found no credible evidence to support the threats, they increased security at the schools. "Threats like this we can never take too lightly," said Favio Lopez, a parent and teacher. "Because if we take them too lightly and then something happens, then people are hurt."

Despite the online threats, some students did not feel concerned. "I feel it was probably some kids who were trying to stay home from school or something like that. I don’t think it’s real," said Sellers. "Ain’t nobody going to do that."

In nearby Plainfield, Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C also shifted to remote learning on Monday due to another threat. Plainfield police have not yet released any information regarding potential suspects in connection with that threat.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the Joliet threats or similar incidents to contact the police as investigations continue.