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2 girls arrested in Joliet for social media threats against local schools

By Fox 32 News
Updated  September 16, 2024 7:43pm CDT
Joliet
FOX 32 Chicago

Joliet schools shift to e-learning Monday after threats on social media

Students in Joliet will attend classes remotely Monday after a series of violent threats that were posted online.

The Brief

    • Joliet District 86 schools switched to remote learning on Monday following violent threats posted online, though police have found no credible evidence of danger.
    • In-person learning continued for Joliet Township High School District 204 students with increased security measures in place.

JOLIET, Ill. - Two girls were arrested this week in connection with threats made on social media targeting schools in Joliet.

On Sunday, detectives met with a 14-year-old girl and her mother at their home while investigating threats of harm to specific schools in the Joliet area.

At that time, police searched the girl's room but found no weapons or other contraband. She was later questioned at the Joliet Police Department and then released pending further investigation. 

No evidence of a credible threat was found at that time, police said. 

On Monday, the 14-year-old girl was brought back to the department by her mother. At that time, the girl indicated her involvement in the bogus threat on social media. She was then placed in custody without incident and charged with felony disorderly conduct for transmitting threats of destruction or violence against school property or individuals. 

It was determined that she was a student at Joliet Central High School. 

While investigating the original threat indicating harm to Joliet area schools, police learned of an additional social media threat that involved Dirksen Junior High in Joliet.

Police then identified a 12-year-old girl as the person responsible for the threat, which was deemed to be unfounded.

The girl was placed in custody without incident and charged with felony disorderly conduct. 

The threats prompted Joliet Public Schools District 86 to switch to e-learning for the day as a precaution, also canceling all athletic events and practices. 

Joliet police confirmed that the threats circulating on social media were not credible but maintained an increased presence at local schools during arrival and dismissal times to ensure safety.

Joliet Police Department officials emphasized their commitment to addressing threats seriously and ensuring community safety, even though no credible threats were identified.