Two students at Julian Middle School were arrested, Nov. 17, and charged with aggravated assault for displaying weapons, police said.
On the afternoon of Nov. 16, two fifth-graders and a first-grader were approached by a 14-year-old boy on the playground at Longfellow School, 715 S. Highland Ave. The boy began calling the other kids’ names, and wouldn’t stop when one of the fifth-graders asked to be left alone, police said. The boy then displayed a large knife and walked towards the fifth-grader, who called his parents. The next day, the school called police. The boy was also charged with unlawful use of a weapon.
Another Julian student was caught with a cap gun-like weapon in school, according to an email from the school’s principal.
“We received information during lunchtime today that one of our students was in possession of an item that resembled a gun,” said Principal Victoria Sharts in an email that went out around 4 p.m., Nov. 17. Sharts said the student showed the weapon to other students before it was confiscated.
Statement from Superintendent Roberts Regarding Two Incidents Involving District 97 Students
A sixth grade student at Julian Middle School was found to be in possession of a starter pistol on schoolgrounds during the school day today. The building staff and school resource officer located and confiscated the weapon, and are currently working with the Oak Park Police Department to investigate this matter.
In a separate matter, there was an incident between a fifth grade student from Longfellow Elementary Schooland an eighth student from Julian on the Longfellow playground following dismissal yesterday. The two students got into a verbal altercation, which resulted in the eighth grade student pulling out and displaying a knife. When this happened, the fifth grade student contacted his parent/guardian and immediately ran home.The Longfellow staff was notified of this incident this morning and contacted the police department. The police are currently investigating this matter as well.
The schools, the district and the police take these types of incidents very seriously. While we cannot commenton the status of the police investigations, we can state that we will be exercising the full authority afforded to usby board policy and the law; and anticipate, pending the outcome of our own investigations, handing down the strictest form of discipline possible, which may include suspension or expulsion.
While I am incredibly disappointed by the news of these incidents, I am pleased to report that nobody was harmed in either one. I also want to applaud everyone involved for the effective way they handled these matters.Their quick, decisive action helped ensure the continued safety of our students, staff and community.
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