Kenosha police on Thursday arrested a 13-year-old boy who was believed to be armed and trying to enter Roosevelt Elementary School.
District leaders say the teen tried to enter the school around 9 a.m. Thursday morning with “suspicious bags.” When school staff tried to talk to him, he ran out of the building and into the surrounding neighborhood.
KPD
Kenosha police are looking for a suspicious person spotted at Roosevelt Elementary School.
The 13-year-old was later located and arrested around 2 p.m
“We believe this was in fact an armed suspect with a firearm, and there was no legitimate reason to enter the school,” Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Watch: ‘Potential School Shooting’ Foiled in Kenosha; 13 year old arrested
‘Potential School Shooting’ Stopped in Kenosha; 13-year-old arrested after trying to go to school
Only “quick and careful action” by school staff stopped the teen from entering the school, Chief Patton added.
“Today we experienced something that all school staff and families fear: a possible school shooting,” said Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, superintendent of the Kenosha Unified School District at the news conference. “Today we are grateful.”
Schools in the area were seized while police conducted a search.
Watch a police press conference announcing the arrest:
KCSO emphasizes that there is no threat to any school and that officers are “acting out of an abundance of caution.”
Read KUSD’s full press release here:
Press release Roosevelt incident Through TMJ4 News on Scribd
The situation left parents concerned about the safety of their children. Dozens waited outside Roosevelt Elementary Thursday afternoon.
“To lock my five-year-old child in a building because someone might threaten him is terrible,” said Daniel Norris. “What kind of world are we living in now?”
Other parents who spoke to TMJ4 say they are grateful their children were not harmed, but now fear what a safe place should be.
“It is fortunate that we pray every day before they come, but that is still not enough,” Dejah Dicko said.
Others expressed gratitude for the teacher and staff who intervened to intercept the suspect.
“Now that everything is done, it’s a big relief. I’m glad no one was hurt and everyone is safe,” said Grandparent Marie.
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