Yesterday, a seemingly ordinary day at Andrew High School in Tinley Park turned into an alarming situation when a 17-year-old male from Orland Park was discovered with a gun near the school premises.
The young man, who was not a student at Andrew High School, entered the building shortly before 10 a.m., having been let in by another student through a side door. However, the teen's unauthorized presence did not go unnoticed, as he was swiftly confronted and turned away by a vigilant staff member, according to the Patch. Rather than proceeding through the south entrance as instructed, the teen began wandering around the east side of the building before eventually leaving the premises.
Recognizing the potential danger, the school resource officer from the Tinley Park Police Department stationed at Andrew High School sprang into action. Approaching the teen off-campus, the officer discovered a handgun in the boy's waistband, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. The swift response of the school staff and resource officer undoubtedly prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.
Andrew High School Principal Dr. Abir Othman praised the collaboration, stating, "This is a police matter, and we are appreciative of the partnership with the Tinley Park Police Department," per the Patch.
Charges against the 17-year-old are pending in juvenile court.
