False threat prompts lockdown at Oak Forest High School, FBI investigating, police say
OAK FOREST, Ill. - Oak Forest High School was placed on lockdown Tuesday after a caller falsely claimed to be inside the building with firearms and an explosive device, police said.
Oak Forest school threat
What we know:
Oak Forest police said they received a call on the department's non-emergency line at 10:45 a.m. from a man who claimed he was inside a bathroom at the school.
According to police, the caller said he was armed with a firearm, had access to another firearm outside the school and possessed an explosive device he claimed to have made at home.
The caller also threatened to shoot people inside the school and falsely claimed he had already shot someone, authorities said.
Police immediately responded and treated the report as an active threat. Officers evacuated the area surrounding the reported location inside the school while the rest of the building was placed on lockdown.
Investigators later determined the threat was false, and the school was cleared. Police said they found no firearm, explosive device or anyone matching the caller's description.
No students, staff members or responding personnel were injured.
Police said there is no evidence an armed person or explosive device was ever inside the school or that students or staff were in actual danger.
School's response:
Oak Forest High School began an early dismissal at about 12:30 p.m.
"The safety and security of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. We thank our police department and our school officials for their immediate response," the school said in a statement.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released additional information about the caller or said whether anyone has been identified.
What's next:
The investigation into the source of the false threat has been referred to the FBI. Oak Forest police said they will continue assisting with the investigation.
The Source: The information in this story came from the City of Oak Forest, the school district and the Oak Forest Police Department.