Parents Discuss Prevention Methods After Hinsdale South Threat
CHICAGO (CBS) – Could your child be hiding something?
Parents may be asking that exact question after a southwest suburban high school student was charged Wednesday for possessing firearms, explosives and more.
Police and Hinsdale South High School parents discussed Thursday more things parents can do to prevent situations, such as Wednesdays, to happen. CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez has their advice.
"My first thought was where were the parents," said parent, Karen Greenwood.
Moms told CBS 2 that they know what is in their children's bedrooms.
"I tell all my kids you get your privacy when you're 18 and you're out of the house," Greenwood said.
The student charged was only 16-years old. He made a threat on Snapchat towards another student and others at the school spoke up.
Police searched the boy's home, as part of the investigation, and found several guns, ammunition, paper shooting targets, explosives, knives, brass knuckles and gas masks. The student was charged with one count of possession of an explosive or incendiary device, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, three counts of possession of firearms without an FOID card, and two counts of disorderly conduct, all felonies.
Another parent, Linda Haile said she does not feel the need to search her daughter's room, but also does not have to because she is always in there with her.
Police said there are a couple of takeaways from the threat on Wednesday at Hinsdale South. Parents should be aware of what is in their children's room. Police said parents should also monitor their children's social media accounts.
"If it doesn't seem right or it doesn't sound right," said Commander Jerry Piccoli. "It may very well it probably isn't right."
Police cannot say whether the student arrested Wednesday would have acted on his threats. But they are grateful classmates were not taking any chances.
"We say let us check it out make sure that it is nothing then we all feel more comfortable about it," Piccoli said.
"This is a perfect example of if you see something say something," Greenwood said.
Haile said it's time to be vigilant, not to pass judgement.
"It's a sad, sad situation," Haile said. "I just think God that nothing happened."
Students describe the young man police are holding as a loner, but not someone they would suspect had weapons in his room. They said he was respectful in class, but kept to himself.
