Classes canceled at suburban Chicago school after officer's gun stolen, police say

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - A school in Chicago's northwest suburbs canceled classes Tuesday after a police officer assigned there reported a missing service weapon the day before.

What we know:

An Arlington Heights police officer working as a school resource officer at Forest View Educational Center reported their firearm missing on Monday.

Police said the officer removed the weapon while using a restroom just before dismissal. The officer then realized it was gone shortly after students left for the day. A search of the restroom did not turn up the firearm.

Surveillance video showed only a limited number of people entered the restroom during that time, according to police.

K9 units from Arlington Heights, along with Cook County Sheriff’s Police and Palatine Police, searched the building and surrounding grounds. Dogs trained to detect weapons were used, but the firearm was not found.

What's next:

School officials canceled classes on Tuesday for the specialized schools at Forest View "out of an abundance of caution" while the search and investigation continue.

Police said there will be an increased presence at the campus in the coming days.

Detectives are actively investigating and asking anyone with information to call Arlington Heights police at 847-368-5300.

The department said it will conduct a review of the incident and acknowledged community concerns, calling the situation "unfortunate and embarrassing."

What they're saying:

In a letter to families on Monday, a school district official said, "I am writing to make you aware of a serious safety matter that occurred at school today.

"Late this afternoon, after dismissal, we were informed that a law enforcement officer’s service weapon was unaccounted for at the end of the school day after being left unattended in a school restroom. The Arlington Heights Police Department was notified immediately, and a search and investigation began. The building was searched and cleared by police and a canine unit this evening. We received confirmation that the weapon is not in the building.

"The weapon has not yet been recovered. The Arlington Heights Police Department is continuing to search for it, and individuals who may have information are being contacted by law enforcement.

"Out of an abundance of caution, Specialized Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5, so the Arlington Heights Police Department can continue its investigation and complete any additional safety steps. Students and staff should not report to the Specialized Schools unless specifically directed by school or district administration.

"If your student has any information, please contact the Arlington Heights Police Department or the Specialized Schools administration.

"We understand how concerning this information is for our school community. We will provide additional updates as we are able to do so without compromising the law enforcement investigation."