'Suspicious Item' Prompts Brief Lockdown at Andrew High School

The discovery of a "kit that may be used to clean firearms" led Andrew High School administrators to place the school on a brief lockdown Wednesday.

Andrew High School Principal Bob Nolting told parents a staff member reported the kit, which had been found in an office area.

Tinley Park police were called to the school after the lockdown was initiated around 10:45 a.m., according to Pat Carr, director of the Tinley Park Emergency Management Association.

"After a thorough search of the building, there was no weapon or ammunition found on school grounds," Nolting said in an email. "After conducting an investigation, we have no reason to believe the kit was brought to school by a student nor was the kit brought with any intent to do harm."

The lockdown was lifted by 12:30 p.m.

"We acknowledge that any time you go to a hard lockdown at a school, it causes a wide range of emotions for students, staff, and parents," Nolting wrote.

Patch is awaiting comment from the District 230 spokesperson.