School Shooting Prediction Prompts Highland Park Police Presence

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Edgewood Middle School administrators notified the Highland Park Police Department Thursday of a report that a student had made a comment about a school shooting, administrators said.

A student told a teacher that he had overheard another student say, during a passing period, that a school shooting would take place, North Shore School District 112 Superintendent Mike Lubelfeld said in a message to the community.

"There was no specificity, plan, detail, or evidence of the authenticity of this statement, and it was not clear that this alleged incident would even take place at Edgewood or in District 112," Lubelfeld said.

Police increased their patrol presence outside the school out of an abundance of caution, as the investigation was taking place near the end of the school day, according to the superintendent.

Lubelfeld said Edgewood staff held meetings with students and staff, called parents as necessary and notified the central office, with district administrative staff visiting the building due to the nature of the comments.

Police said an investigation determined the threat was unfounded and no citations would be issued.

"Please use this notice as an opportunity to speak with your child about 'if you see something, say something' as we are all united in partnership for open two-way communication," Lubelfeld said. "We all have the responsibility to perpetuate safe and healthy learning environments for staff and students."