After online threat, some Joliet, Illinois, schools close, teen girl arrested

JOLIET, Ill. (CBS) — Some schools in Joliet will be closed on Monday due to a threat made on social media. 

Classes for about 9,000 students in Joliet District 86 were moved to e-learning, and all 21 school buildings were closed.

According to District 86 Superintendent Theresa Rouse, a social media threat was circulating involving "students bringing weapons" to several schools in Joliet. Officials said the threat was not credible.

"Out of an abundance of caution, all Joliet District 86 schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, September 16, 2024, and an e-learning day will be used. The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority," Rouse said in a letter to the school community. 

Later on Monday, Joliet police announced the arrest of a 14-year-old girl who, they said, indicated her involvement in creating the bogus threat on social media. She was charged with felony disorderly conduct.

Police did not find any evidence of a credible threat.

Two area high schools remained open, but every student was searched upon entry. The Joliet Police Department would maintain an increased presence at the schools during the investigation. 

This is the second threat the district has been dealing with in the past few days. On Friday, police investigated a social media rumor that there was a weapon at Joliet West.

Joliet police also said they arrested a 12-year-old girl in connection with the original threat to area schools. That threat was also deemed to be unfounded. She was released to the care of a parent.

The school was searched, and nothing was found.

Officials said that classes would resume on Tuesday after investigators determined the threats were not credible.