Arrests outside Central School leads to lockdown

A Glencoe middle school was placed on a lockdown Friday afternoon when Glencoe police made arrests on school grounds.

Deputy Chief Andrew Perley said that just before 1 p.m. May 19 police arrested five juveniles who reportedly were in possession of a stolen vehicle that was parked in front of Central School, 620 Greenwood Ave., near a recess area.

Perley said the individuals were unarmed and taken into custody without incident.

School was in session, but students reportedly were out in recess; however, members of the Central School staff witnessed the arrests and the school was placed in a lockdown until the situation was resolved, Perley said.

Glencoe Public Safety was made aware about a week ago that a car reportedly was stolen in Waukegan, and officers located the car parked and unoccupied outside of Central School on Friday.

Perley said officers on scene witnessed five individuals approach the car.

“Five juveniles came to the car and were trying to get inside the vehicle when officers arrested them,” he said.

That’s when the school was placed in a lockdown.

“Public Safety officers and administrative staff were in constant communication throughout the incident, initiating pre-established protocols to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty and neighbors,” according to the press release.

An investigation is ongoing, police say.

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