A potential threat called in to Lane Tech College Prep that prompted visits from the police and fire departments has been deemed ‘non-credible’ and no students or staff are in any danger, the school said.
At 1:25 p.m. firefighters were called to the school, 2501 W. Addison St., for a call about an ‘unknown object,’ said Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Merritt. A Level 1 hazardous materials call for the object was “secured” at 1:44 p.m., he added.
Merritt said he didn’t know why the object was suspicious.
The school was placed on soft lockdown after receiving a phone call from an unknown source that included a potential threat to our school, Lane Tech principal Edwina Thompson said in a letter sent to parents and guardians.
Police later determined the potential threat was “non-credible, Thompson said in the statement.
“There is no safety threat to our school, and everyone is safe. All after-school activities are expected to proceed as planned.”
Chicago police had no further details immediately.
According to police radio transmissions, the call happened during sixth period, a “soft lockdown” was put in place, and some of the students were moved to another building.
A Chicago police officer on the scene reported to an OEMC dispatcher they were detaining someone after a backpack was found in the men’s washroom on the second floor of the school.
“I have him in my custody,’’ the officer told the dispatcher. “There’s a backpack…I’ve not heard any noises or sounds from the backpack.”
A Chicago Public Schools representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.