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What's happening with school threats in Bartonville? Here's what we know so far

Bartonville Pd Facebook

Bartonville schools have been in the news a lot this week, after a series of school threats both substantiated and perceived.

On December 9, the Bartonville Police Department was informed of a "serious threat" made by a Limestone Community High School student, according to a press release. The student was arrested the same day, and the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office is reviewing the case for potential charges.

A heightened law enforcement contingent was present at Limestone Community High School on Monday as a precaution. But on Tuesday, classes were canceled entirely "out of an abundance of caution for the safety and security of students and staff," per the district.

Bartonville police said Tuesday night they were made aware of two messages circulating on social media. The first was a screenshot of a gun with the caption "don't go to school tmr." It apparently stemmed from a Dec. 3 incident at Allegany-Limestone Central School District in New York state.

A second message on social media site Discord warned that though a student behind a school shooting threat had been arrested, his friends were threatening to "shoot up the school tomorrow."

Police said the author of that post was located, and was repeating rumors they'd heard.

Police say while there are many rumors floating about, no credible threats at LCHS have been identified since their December 9 arrest of a student.

In a separate incident, a Bartonville Grade School student was arrested Tuesday after allegedly threatening to shoot three other students.

The student was arrested and taken to the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center, and the state's attorney's office is reviewing the case for potential charges. No additional information will be released due to the student's age.

A WCBU reporter has reached out to the Bartonville Police Department for more information on the recent incidents.

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.