Aug 30, 2023, Carpentersville, Illinois – Following a threat called into the school’s front office on Wednesday morning, Dundee-Crown High School was forced to lock down in a frightening turn of events. As a precaution, hundreds of pupils were quickly removed from the location.
School officials received the threatening call at around 9:10 a.m., prompting them to notify the police and start the lockdown procedure. The event may have been an example of “swatting,” an unlawful prank call to trick and frighten people.
The safety of children and employees was guaranteed after a comprehensive investigation revealed that the threat was unfounded. The lockdown was carried out as a preventative precaution to ensure the utmost caution, even though there was no actual incident inside or outside the building.
Witnesses described anguish and dread as they saw pupils leaving the school grounds, some sobbing.
According to aerial footage captured by Chopper 7 after the evacuation order was issued at around 10 a.m., hundreds of children could be seen fleeing the school with their hands high.
Armed cops from Carpentersville and surrounding areas rapidly built a perimeter around the school after arriving nearly immediately.
Parents anxiously gathered outside, seeking information and expressing their concerns about the situation’s handling.
Jason Rice, a parent, commended the authorities for their swift response, stating, “They did a good job of bringing in everybody, this much presence, to evaluate it and see if it was a real threat.”
By 11 a.m., some students could leave the building with their parents while others could re-enter. At 11:30 a.m., District 300 officials formally gave the all-clear, ending the terrible scenario.
The remainder of the day will be spent in “shelter-in-place” mode at the school, with students being accommodated in areas like the field house, cafeteria, or gym.
Regular dismissal and bus services will be available to students who rely on district transportation.
School officials have implemented a reunification process for parents or guardians who wish to pick up their children from school.
Additionally, support services will be provided weekly for students needing assistance coping with the incident.
This incident follows a similar “swatting” call that led to the evacuation of South Elgin High School earlier this week, highlighting the growing concern about such malicious acts targeting educational institutions.
As investigations continue, authorities are determined to apprehend and hold accountable those responsible for these disruptive and dangerous pranks.
