DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael Ruth announced today that a male York High School student has been accused of posting a threatening Snapchat message directed at the school. The juvenile, who lives in Elmhurst, appeared at a detention hearing this morning where Judge Robert Anderson ordered that he be placed on home detention. He has been charged with one count of Disorderly Conduct, a Class 4 Felony. His next court date is scheduled for September 23, 2019 for status.
It is alleged that on September 16, 2019, the juvenile, who is fifteen years-old, posted a video message on Snapchat in which he allegedly threatened the school. It is alleged that the video shows the juvenile holding what appears to be a rifle, later determined to be an air-soft rifle, while making threatening remarks against the school. The next day, DuPage County authorities became aware of the post and began an investigation. The investigation led to the juvenile who was taken into custody from school yesterday without incident.
“The safety and well-being of our children and their teachers remains a top priority of my administration,” Berlin said. “Any threat, or even the perception of a threat of violence directed at a school will immediately be investigated and if found credible, charged accordingly,” I would like to thank the FBI as well as authorities at York High School for their assistance and cooperation in this matter. I would like to thank the Elmhurst Police Department for their quick response and apprehension of the suspect in this case. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Nick Catizone for his work in helping us keep our schools as safe as possible.”
Members of the public are reminded that this petition contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
