Peoria County, IL – A firearm discovered in a student’s locker at Dunlap Valley Middle School has been traced back to a burglary in Peoria, as revealed by the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Peoria County Sheriff’s reports, a loaded handgun, found on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, at around 12:30 p.m., led to the arrest of a 13-year-old male student after school staff and a resource officer were alerted to the situation. Sheriff Chris Watkins stated the immediate response upon receiving the tip ensured no harm came to students or staff. The juvenile was apprehended in class without incident. During the investigation, the student indicated the firearm was shown to friends for boasting purposes and mentioned it was for personal protection.
An investigation end of the answer is ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding the incident can contact Detective Demery at 309-216-4775. The charges against the juvenile include Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of a Handgun Under 18, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
