Person of interest in custody after officer’s gun stolen at suburban Chicago school, officials say

Person of interest in custody after officer’s gun stolen at suburban Chicago school, officials say

A school resource officer's gun was stolen Monday in Chicago's northwest suburbs, which led to classes being canceled on Tuesday. Here’s what we know.

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

Late Tuesday afternoon, school officials said a person of interest is in custody, though the weapon has not been recovered.

The backstory:

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 Tuesday for the Specialized Schools at Forest View out of an abundance of caution.

District officials said the Specialized Schools are safe to reopen, and classes will resume Wednesday. There will be an increased police presence on campus as a precaution.

"We know this has been unsettling for students, staff and families. Please know that the decision to reopen was made carefully and in coordination with law enforcement. There will be an increased police presence on campus tomorrow as an additional precaution, and our staff will be ready to welcome and support students when they return," the district said in a statement.

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