Kewanee police released more details Friday of a reported threat of a school shooting at Kewanee High School.
Two juveniles — a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy — were arrested Thursday for their alleged involvement in the threat. Both were charged with conspiracy to make terroristic threats, and the 14-year-old also faces several weapons charges.
At about 4 p.m. Thursday, police were notified of a potential school shooting threat for Kewanee High School. Officers learned that a 16-year-old student had sent Snapchat messages to a Kewanee High School Snapchat group indicating that he was going to commit a shooting at the school.
The juvenile also sent a picture of a rifle and a loaded assault rifle magazine, according to a news release the police issued Friday. Officers were able to identify the juvenile and locate him at a residence in the 300 block of South Maple Avenue. The 16-year-old was arrested and taken to the police station without incident.
Police also learned that the 16-year-old was communicating with the 14-year-old about the school shooting threat. The 14-year-old sent to the 16-year-old a photograph of a rifle and loaded assault rifle magazine. He advised the 16-year-old to send the photo of the gun to the Snapchat group and say he will shoot up the school. The 14-year-old also told him he would give him the gun if he needed it.
Officers quickly learned the identity of the 14-year-old and located him at a residence in the 600 block of West 4th Street. While speaking with the juvenile and his grandmother, officers observed plain view evidence at the residence.
Police secured the residence and obtained a search warrant. They found an AK-47 style rifle, a magazine for the AK-47, and 7.62×39 mm ammunition for it. The 14-year-old was arrested and taken to the station.
Police obtained statements from the juveniles and released them to their guardians. They are to appear in juvenile court.
The 14-year-old was charged with conspiracy to make false terroristic threats (Class 2 felony), unlawful use of weapon (Class A misdemeanor), and unlawful possession of ammunition without a FOID card (Class A misdemeanor). The 16-year-old was charged with conspiracy to make false terroristic threats (Class 2 felony).
“At this time, the Kewanee Police Department does not believe there to be an imminent threat to the school or the students,” the news release said. “However, there will still be a police presence at the school and associated events to help ease any concerns of parents or community members.”
Police thanked Kewanee School District officials for their cooperation in the investigation, and reminded citizens and students to immediately inform school officials and law enforcement of any statements that could endanger the safety of the schools.
