Handgun reportedly confiscated from man entering Highland Park High School football game

Local authorities arrested and charged an armed Highwood man who was prevented from entering a Highland Park High School football game on Saturday afternoon with a concealed firearm, according to City and school officials.

The man reportedly was detained prior to entering the stadium, “removed without incident from the area by law enforcement” and no one was injured, a release from Township High School District 113 says.

A Highland Park Police Department booking report shows that he was charged with violation of a concealed carry license, a misdemeanor, for allegedly bringing the firearm onto school property. He was released and given a November court date.

Private security personnel from D113’s Highland Park K9 Weapons Detection Team alerted Highland Park police after identifying an individual carrying a concealed firearm while approaching the entrance to Wolters Field during the Highland Park High School boys varsity game against Maine West High School, the D113 news release distributed at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday says.

The individual, who is a licensed concealed carry permit holder, admitted to District 113 security personnel and local law enforcement that he was carrying a gun, the D113 news release says. 

The D113 news release added that it is illegal for anyone besides on-duty law enforcement to carry a firearm onto school property. 

“Although today’s events are deeply concerning, I want to extend my gratitude to the K9 team, the rest of District 113 security, and the Highland Park Police Department for their immediate action,” D113 Superintendent Dr. Chala Holland said in the statement. 

“Because of their swift response, our students, staff and guests were able to have an uninterrupted experience at the game,” Holland said. 

Amanda Bennet, the city of Highland Park’s communications manager, said the firearm was a handgun.

The K9 team was patrolling the area as part of their regular duties as K9 teams are deployed at high-attendance extracurricular events as part of District 113’s layered approach to security, the D113 news release said. 

The D113 news release stated the district had no additional information to share at this time.

The district and Highland Park City staff did not immediately respond to The Record’s inquiry about what kind of firearm was identified and how it was concealed.

Students who wish to talk to someone or who may be in need of support should contact their school counselor, the D113 release said. People can also submit a concern anonymously through the D113 Tip Line. Tips can be submitted by phone or text at (844) 224-1521, or through the web portal.

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