Person of interest detained, but police officer’s gun lost at Arlington Heights school still missing

Arlington Heights police on Tuesday detained a person of interest in an ongoing search for a school resource officer’s firearm left unattended in a restroom at Forest View Educational Center.

The subject — among a small group of individuals to whom police have narrowed their investigation — is cooperating with detectives, authorities said Tuesday evening.

Classes will resume Wednesday at the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 alternative school, after school was canceled Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution” and so police could continue investigating, wrote Caiti Druger, the district’s director of specialized schools, in a letter to families.

The building also serves as headquarters for District 214.

Police said they’re confident the firearm was removed from school grounds Monday, and there are no additional known threats.

The Arlington Heights police officer assigned to the school has been placed on administrative leave pending a formal internal affairs investigation, Police Chief Nick Pecora announced.

The officer reported his gun missing just before classes were dismissed for the day Monday afternoon. He removed the firearm from his holster before using the bathroom, authorities said.

Police department officials called the lost weapon an “unfortunate and embarrassing incident.”

“We value the trust our community places in the police department and its officers. We remain committed to resolving this situation and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable, including matters within our own organization,” Pecora said. “We will continue to take all necessary steps and tangible actions to help restore any confidence which may have been lost as a result of this situation.”

As of Tuesday night, the gun was still missing. Police dogs from Arlington Heights, Palatine and Cook County were called in to search the school building and grounds for the gun Monday evening, to no avail.

Video surveillance in the hallway showed only a few people entered the restroom after the officer, police said.

Druger said individuals who may have information were contacted by law enforcement.

She said the district’s specialized schools at Forest View are safe to reopen Wednesday.

Additional uniformed officers will be at the school throughout the day, and safety protocols — including restricted access and metal detector screening — will remain in place for all students arriving for class, police said.

“We know this has been unsettling for students, staff and families,” Druger told families. “Please know that the decision to reopen was made carefully and in coordination with law enforcement. There will be an increased police presence on campus tomorrow as an additional precaution, and our staff will be ready to welcome and support students when they return.”

Police said their investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact detectives at (847) 368-5300.