A school in the northwest suburbs released a statement to parents and families after a “serious safety matter” Monday prompted administrators to cancel classes Tuesday, with an investigation regarding a lost gun ongoing.
The incident occurred Monday afternoon at Forest View Education Center in Arlington Heights, officials said, after a police officer assigned to the school took his firearm out of its holster while using a school bathroom.
The gun then went missing, officials said. As of Tuesday morning, it had still not been found.
“Late this afternoon, after dismissal, we were informed that a law enforcement officer’s security weapon was unaccounted for at the end of the school day after being left unattended in a school restroom,” a letter from High School District 214 Director Caiti Druger said.
Police were notified, Druger said, and the building and campus were searched by officers and canine units. According to the letter, the school received confirmation that the weapon was not inside the building, and that it has not been recovered.
“The Arlington Heights Police Department is continuing to search for it, and individuals who may have information are being contacted by law enforcement,” the letter said.
A press release issued by the Arlington Heights Police Department said one of its officers, who is also assigned to the school as a resource officer, had removed his gun from his holster while using the restroom just before students were dismissed for the day.
Shortly after students were released, the officer realized his firearm was missing.
Hallway surveillance images were immediately reviewed, police said, which showed a limited number of people had entered the restroom the officer used. An extensive search of the building and grounds was conducted by authorities, but the gun was not found.
Administrators then made the decision to cancel all classes at Specialized Schools Tuesday, “so Arlington Heights Police Department can continue its investigation and complete any additional safety steps.”
Druger added that students and staff should not report to the building unless directly asked. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Specialized Schools administration or the Arlington Heights Police Department.
“We understand how concerning this information is for our school community,” the letter said.
In their release, the police department expressed regret for the incident, describing it as “unfortunate and embarrassing.”
“We are committed to remaining accountable for our actions as an organization and taking responsibility for the frustration and anger this incident caused within our school community,” the department said.
According to the school’s website, Academy at Forest View, located at 2121 S. Goebbert Rd, provides students instruction towards high school graduation credits in a smaller setting with more support for social-emotional learning. Specialized schools at the center include The Academy at Forest View, International Newcomer Academy, Vanguard School, Life, and the Young Adult Program.
