Search for robbery suspects keeps kids in school

Barrington-area students had to wait a while longer after their scheduled dismissal Thursday before they could leave school, as police searched for two robbery suspects in the vicinity.

Barrington Hills police said at 4:40 p.m. Thursday the schools no longer were in lock down, but the manhunt continued.

Barrington Hills Village President Robert Abboud said a robbery earlier in the day in Algonquin resulted in a high-speed auto chase through Barrington Hills.

That led to two separate accidents in the area of Routes 59 and 68, which caused the two suspects to leave their vehicle and run from police, Abboud said.

Police dogs were used in the search because extremely high storm winds prevented the use of a helicopter. Algonquin police, tied up with the storm's after-effects, had no immediate comment.

Some young students were left crying in school gymnasiums as parents were prohibited from picking their children up. The storm added to the chaos.

Jennifer Bulandr, who has two kids at Prairie Middle School, said the entire situation was horrifying.

"For me, it was very stressful," she said.

Her kids were able to use other children's cell phones to keep her updated on their status, she said.

"I thought it was very sweet of those kids who had cell phones," Bulandr said.

Police had few details Thursday evening, but officials at Barrington Area Unit District 220 earlier in the day released an alert to parents.

"The police department has informed us that they are currently in pursuit of two robbery suspects in the South Barrington area," the letter stated. "As a result we are holding all Barrington High School and middle school buses going to South Barrington until we receive an all-clear from the police. If this situation is not resolved by the end of the elementary school day, buses will also be held at Rose Elementary School."

Superintendent Tom Leonard said some students were delayed in getting home by the weather advisory. Some other schools in the area also delayed departures because of weather conditions.

Bulandr praised District 220 for keeping parents updated through phone and e-mail messages.

"I think they did a really, really good job," she said.