Two teenagers from Kewanee are charged with making Terroristic Threats after threatening to commit a shooting at Kewanee High School. Around 4 PM on August 24th, The Kewanee Police Department was notified of a potential school shooting after a 16-year-old male juvenile sent a Snapchat message to the Kewanee High School group, including a picture of a rifle and a loaded assault type rifle magazine. Officers identified the juvenile and arrested him at his residence in the 300 block of South Maple Avenue. The Kewanee Police Department discovered that the 16-year-old juvenile was communicating with a 14-year-old juvenile about the school shooting. The 14-year-old male juvenile provided the 16-year-old with the picture of the rifle and the loaded magazine and suggested he send the picture to the Snapchat group saying he will shoot up the school, according to the Kewanee Police Department. The 14-year-old said he would give him the gun if he needs it. Police identified and interviewed the 14-year-old male juvenile at his residence in the 600 block of West 4th Street and, while speaking with the juvenile and his grandmother, officers observed evidence in plain view. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and found a AK-47 type rifle, a magazine for the rifle and 7.62×39 mm ammunition for the rifle. Both juveniles were interviewed at the Police Station and released to their guardians with juvenile referral forms to appear in juvenile court at the Henry County Courthouse.
The 14-year-old male juvenile was charged with the preliminary offenses of Conspiracy to Making False Terroristic Threats (Class 2 Felony), Unlawful Use of Weapon (Class A Misdemeanor), and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition without a FOID card (Class A Misdemeanor). The 16-year-old male juvenile was charged with the preliminary offense of Conspiracy to Making False Terroristic Threats (Class 2 Felony).
The Kewanee Police Department does not believe there is a threat to the school or students. There will be a police presense at the school and school events to help ease any concerns from parents and the community. The Kewanee Police Department would like to thank Kewanee School District officials for their cooperation in conjunction with this successful investigation. The Kewanee Police Department would also like to remind citizens and students to immediately inform school officials and law enforcement of any potential statements that could endanger the safety of our area schools.
