Crete Monee Schools Received Two Threats Today Prompting Lockdowns
At approximately 10:35 am Thursday morning a Crete Police Department Records Clerk received a phone call from a male stating his wife left him, he was unemployed, and he was on his way to the Crete-Monee High School to shoot someone, according to Crete Police Chief Scott Pieritz.
The Crete Police Department immediately responded and contacted Crete-Monee High School to initiate established theeat protocol. This included the school initiating “hold and teach” (soft lockdown) procedures, securing students and staff, and activating school security protocol.
At approximately the same time, Crete-Monee High School received a threatening phone call from an unknown male. The Crete Police Department contacted neighboring police departments for assistance and advised other schools in its jurisdiction to lockdown, until more information could be obtained.
Although the threat was perceived to be external, police and school personnel conducted multiple searches inside the high school. Nothing was found in these searches. Police and Crete Emergency Management were stationed on school grounds for the remainder of the day and prevented anyone from entering the property.
Crete-Monee High School and Crete Police Department updated the public via social media and other resources. At this time, information suggests this was a “spoof” or “swatting” type of call designed to cause panic and disruption. No credible threat was found. Crete Detectives are investigating the source of the call and the investigation is pending. The police department will have an increased presence in school areas.
The Crete Police Department and Crete-Monee School District have a strong partnership which includes actively communicating, training, and working closely to ensure the security and safety of the students and staff. I understand the concern and stress these types of incidents bring to the community. The police department’s priority is the safety and security of all students and staff in our jurisdiction and we will continue to proactively plan and respond to these types of incidents. Pieritz thanked the Crete-Monee School District and Staff, Crete Emergency Management, Crete Fire Department, Will County Sheriff’s Office, Steger Police Department, and other departments that assisted and responded to this incident today.
