HOOPESTON —
School officials and police have dismissed rumored threats that a Hoopeston student threatened to bring a gun to school.
It appears “no one was in danger at any time,” according to police.
Hoopeston Police Chief Mark Drollinger and Hoopeston Area Schools Superintendent Hank Hornbeck issued a joint statement this morning regarding the situation, saying police at this point have been unable to confirm the communication of such a threat.
“At this time we are unable to confirm that any threat was ever made, merely rumors expressed via Facebook, Twitter and e-mails and texts among students,” the statement indicated.
Police monitored social networking sites and found discussion in regard to beliefs the student planned to come to school with a gun. Police stayed in contact with school officials throughout the evening, the statement indicated.
Despite the lack of a threat, Hoopeston police were present at the school this morning “to assure the parents and students of their safety.”
The situation, according to the statement, began on Wednesday. Hoopeston police met with school officials and concerned parents after officers received several calls from parents reporting the student — who was not identified — planned to bring a gun to school.
Drollinger termed police and school official actions as a proactive move and commended parents for voicing concerns about the threat rumors.
“We live now in a day and age where nothing can be taken lightly,” he said.
“This was a very valid concern.”
Drollinger added the situation helped strengthen communication bonds among local law enforcement, the community and the schools.
According to the joint statement, the student and his parents cooperated fully with police and allowed a search of the home. Officers searched both the student and his home and nothing was found to confirm the rumors.
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
