Information lacking in gun incident

In May, a student at the Vanguard School in District 214 retrieved an officer’s weapon that had been forgotten in a bathroom, having been left by the school resource officer.

Eventually two students were arrested and charged by Arlington Heights police. An 18-year-old was named and published but the 17-year-old was not. The gun has not been found. The incident was characterized by police chief Pecora as unfortunate and embarrassing. The officer has not been named for the public and we’ve heard of no information regarding discipline of this officer.

This incident is more than embarrassing; it is dangerous and put the school and the vicinity in harm’s way. District Superintendent Rowe also has not condemned the action of the officer. Where is the outrage and transparency? Why is the SRO being protected?

And what is the necessity for this SRO to wear a weapon in the school? Are our schools juvenile detention centers? What purpose other than intimidation is there to carry a weapon?

The episode and the aftermath highlight the lack of accountability and transparency of the Arlington Heights police and Dr. Rowe.

Noell Jezek

Des Plaines