Monroe Middle School student threatens classmate with a fake gun

A Monroe Middle School student who threatened a classmate while on a school bus had a fake gun in his possession, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 officials said.

In an email sent to parents of the Wheaton school Tuesday evening, Principal Bryan Buck said two students on bus route 14 engaged in a verbal conflict while traveling home after school.

Director of Public Relations Erica Loiacono confirmed both students were boys, but did not say what grade they were in.

During the conflict, one of the students threatened to use a weapon he had in his backpack, prompting the other student to report the situation, officials said.

Loiacono said the bus came to a stop sometime between 3:30 and 4 p.m. on Thornhill Drive in Carol Stream.

Carol Stream police quickly responded to the scene and interviewed the students, along with Buck and Assistant Principal Susan Baldus. When they arrived, however, the backpack was missing and it was suspected the student dropped it from the bus.

Officials said neither of the students had a weapon on them and no weapons were found on the bus when police arrived.

However, a second email sent to parents on Wednesday said police recovered the backpack and found the student had a fake gun in his possession that "certainly had the appearance of a dangerous weapon."

"As I shared with you yesterday, our students' safety and well-being is our top priority," Buck said in the email. "To assist us in keeping Monroe a safe and positive environment, we ask that you speak with your children about the importance of telling me, our assistant principal, their teachers or other school staff when they know of something at school that is potentially dangerous."

"Please help us by reminding your child what is appropriate and inappropriate to bring to school," he said. "At no point are weapons ever appropriate to bring to school."

No students were hurt Tuesday. Another bus arrived to transport the students home and the student who made the threats was taken into police custody.

District officials said they plan to take appropriate disciplinary action.

Loiacono said the district appreciates the quick response by local authorities and school administrators.

"This was something we took very seriously and something that does not happen on a regular basis in our school district," she said. "It was a frightening situation."