Arrest Made; Things Back to Normal at EHS

Print

Published on December 13 2018 1:10 pm
Last Updated on December 14 2018 6:07 am
Written by Millie Lange

The Effingham Police have taken care of a threat towards Effingham High School.

Things should be back to normal at Effingham High School today after the administration was made aware late Thursday morning of a possible threat made towards the high school.

Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan said Thursday afternoon, "The District took proactive measures immediately and communicated with the SRO officer and the Effingham City Police. All students and staff at EHS are safe."

Local police and school officials investigated and a 17-year-old juvenile was interviewed and taken into custody at approximately 12:00 Noon by the Effingham Police Department. 

The Police Department was in direct communication with Effingham County State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler, who was attending a conference in Chicago, about the incident. Authorities said the juvenile will be charged with Making a Terroristic Threat, a Class X Felony.

Doan said, "The investigation has determined this was an isolated incident and a determination has been made there are no further concerns regarding the threat."

Effingham Police Department remained on the EHS campus for the balance of the school day.

Authorities said, "The safety of students and staff is the No. 1 goal at Unit #40."

Effingham Police Chief Jeffrey Fuesting advises citizens and parents that a positive, swift outcome came about due to prompt reporting of the threat, as well as immediate, preplanned action on the part of the school and the Police Department. “Effingham Police Officers have trained in the schools, with school personnel, for this type of scenario. We have a plan of action in place so that when a situation arises, everyone knows how to respond to ensure the safety of everyone involved. This incident highlights the need for on-going training, and also highlights the effectiveness of having a School Resource Officer involved in our schools every day.”

In addition, Chief Fuesting warns, “We take threats, especially threats toward a school, very seriously, and will work with the State’s Attorney’s Office to prosecute any individual making such threats.” Chief Fuesting and School Superintendent Doan are currently working on a plan of action to educate the student body on the seriousness of these types of threats.