Crystal Lake police seek despondent teen

Crystal Lake police continue to search for a despondent 18-year-old who might have a gun, a search Monday that led to the soft lockdown of several schools in the area.

Schools dismissed as planned, and after-school activities continued as usual, albeit with an increased police presence, District 155 officials posted on the district's website Monday evening.

The extra caution stemmed from a search for Adrian Salazar, who might be despondent and in need of help. Police say he left his home late Sunday night and that he might have a gun, but they said their investigation does not indicate he poses a danger to others.

Police used K9 officers in an attempt to follow Salazar's path from his home, but the effort didn't turn up any leads, Crystal Lake police Cmdr. Dan Dziewior said.

“His parents are concerned for his well-being. They asked us to locate him, and that's what we intend to do,” Dziewior said.

Police contacted his high school Monday morning looking for additional information, and that's when the school officials decided to go on soft lockdown, Dziewior said.

District 155's website said students continued with class but were not allowed to leave the building. Prairie Grove School District 46 and Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 schools also were on a soft lockdown, ABC 7 reported.

School officials said they increased the number of security patrols and did not believe students or employees were in danger, in statements posted on their websites.

Schools had not announced Monday evening whether they would continue on soft lockdown Tuesday if Salazar was not located before then.

Salazar is about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black sweater and black pants.

Authorities said anyone who sees him should not approach him but should call 911 instead. Anyone with additional information should call Crystal Lake police at (815) 356-3741 or (815) 356-3620.