Watch CBS News

Suspicious Object At Barrington School Not A Threat

BARRINGTON, Ill. (STMW) -- A suspicious object found in the loading dock of a northwest suburban high school led to early dismissal and evacuation Tuesday afternoon before it was determined the object was not a threat.

Just before 2 p.m. Tuesday, the object was found near the loading dock at the rear of Barrington High School staff members restricted access to the area as police and firefighters responded, according to a release from Barrington police and Barrington School District 220.

The school is located at 616 W. Main St.

As a precaution, buses arrived early and students and staff were directed to leave campus and go home at 2:15 p.m., 20 minutes before normal dismissal, the release said.

A review of security cameras showed a student leaving the object on the loading dock, and as students evacuated evacuated the building, the student in question was taken into custody and interviewed,the release said.

The student admitted leaving the bottle-like object but assured police it was not harmful. After the building was secured, authorities tested the object and determined it did not pose a threat so there was no need to call in the police bomb squad.

The student remains in police custody for questioning.

Police commended school administration, staff and students for evacuating the building within 10 minutes of our announcement, though saying at no time were students or staff in danger.

However, due to the early dismissal, all after-school meetings and activities have been canceled except for boys and girls basketball games, and a wrestling match at other venues. The Board of Education meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. will be conducted.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.