By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
As of Monday, Jan. 25, the Elmhurst Police Department and Elmhurst School District 205 were still investigating an incident that was reported on Sunday, Jan. 17 at the York Community High School outdoor football field.
A press release from the City of Elmhurst and from Police Chief Michael Ruth explained that sometime between 12 noon and 2:30 p.m., when a group of adults gathered to play an informal soccer game at the field, they discovered two rope nooses hanging from the top of the metal bleachers. The adults removed the ropes themselves and took them away with the intent to give them to school administrators later.
School administrators were contacted on Monday and informed Elmhurst police of the incident. Police said both ropes had messages affixed to them with tape, one reading, “Let them play!” while the other read, “Hear us now! Please!”
Ruth said Elmhurst police evidence technicians processed the scene at the football field. He added that District 205 had been working cooperatively with police during the investigation.
Police presence was increased at the York campus and surrounding neighborhoods last week, as the investigation proceeded. Additional security cameras are expected to be installed at the high school, including at the stadium as further precaution.
The incident remains under active investigation as a possible hate crime to determine the motive and identify the suspect(s).
“The City of Elmhurst has no tolerance for symbols of hatred, oppression and violence,” said Elmhurst Police Chief Ruth. “One of our City’s core services is to provide safety for the Elmhurst residents and the community.”
Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to call the Elmhurst Police Department at (630) 530-3050.
District 205 relayed this information in a special message to parents and other stakeholders last week after the incident took place.
