Police make arrests in threats made to Decatur-area schools

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - After investigating, Decatur police have made two arrests connected to threats made to Decatur-area schools.

Decatur police arrested a 13-year-old for Disorderly Conduct-School Threat.

This comes after a threat was made for Thursday at Stephen Decatur Middle School.

Police searched the 13-year-old's house and seized multiple firearms owned legally by a family member. Decatur Police said the guns were owned by a family member who had a valid FOID card.

The same 13-year-old was previously involved in a separate incident in August involving a similar threat, police said.

Decatur police also arrested an 11-year-old for another threat involving an unidentified school. The child was involuntarily admitted to a local hospital. Due to the Illinois Juvenile Court of 1987, the 11-year-old could not be detained and will be petitioned to juvenile court for the charge of Disorderly Conduct-School Threat.

A search was done at the child's home, and no guns were found, police said.

According to officers, the 13-year-old and 11-year-old did not conspire with each other to make these threats. Police said they believe the second threat was a potential "copycat" incident.

Police said there will be an increase in police presence around the schools Thursday morning.

Superintendent of Taylor Schools Brandi Bruley released a statement Thursday saying they are aware of the threats that were made concerning Macon County Schools. They said there have been no threats made to their district and there is no imminent danger to students and staff.