On Monday, Dec. 13, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wood Dale Chief of Police Greg Vesta announced that an Indian Trail Middle School student had been accused of posting a threatening message on social media directed at Wood Dale Junior High School in Wood Dale. The juvenile, who lives in Addison, appeared at a detention hearing last Friday where Judge Anthony Coco ordered that he be detained. He has been charged with one count of Disorderly Conduct, a Class 4 Felony.
It is alleged that on Thursday, Dec. 9, the juvenile, who is 12 years old, posted a message on social media that read “(Expletive) school I didn’t go, im already planning to the drive by.” Once alerted to the threat, the Wood Dale Police Department identified the juvenile as a suspect. He was taken into custody later that day without incident from his home.
“So far, in 2021, there have been 15 threats directed at DuPage County Schools,” Berlin said. “In addition to disturbing the school day, these threats cause fear and anxiety not just to those at the school, but to the entire community. I want to remind and encourage students, staff and parents as well, if you see something, say something. As I have said in the past, these threats must stop and any threat of violence aimed at a school will immediately be investigated and, if found credible, will be charged accordingly.”
The juvenile’s next court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 15, for a status hearing. A bench trial has been scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in front of Judge Coco.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
