Teens arrested, but Arlington Heights school resource officer’s gun still missing

Two teens face felony charges in connection with the disappearance of an Arlington Heights police officer’s gun after it was mistakenly left in a school bathroom Monday, authorities announced Wednesday.

However, the whereabouts of the officer’s gun remain unknown and recovering it remains “our highest priority,” police said.

The charges follow an investigation launched Monday when a school resource officer at Forest View Educational Center in Arlington Heights reported his service weapon missing, officials said. The officer reported that he had removed the firearm from his holster before using the bathroom, authorities said.

Authorities now allege that Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo, an 18-year-old student from Mount Prospect, took the unattended firearm from the restroom after school was dismissed for the day.

Sanchez Jaramillo concealed the gun and removed it from school grounds, before giving it to a 17-year-old juvenile in a neighboring community, police allege.

On Tuesday night, detectives executed a search warrant where the stolen handgun was last seen, police said. They were unable to locate the gun, according to police, but found the tactical flashlight that was attached to the firearm when it was stolen.

The juvenile was placed under arrest and transported to the Arlington Heights Police Department, police said.

Sanchez Jaramillo faces a charge of unlawful possession of a weapon in a school, a Class 3 felony, police said. He remains in custody pending a court appearance scheduled for Thursday.

The juvenile is charged with possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon in school, both felonies. He also faces a misdemeanor charge theft of lost or mislaid property, police said.

Police said they believe there are individuals with information as to the whereabouts of the stolen handgun and encourage anyone with information to contact authorities. Information can be submitted anonymously to Arlington Heights detectives at (847) 368-5300 or via email at policemail@vah.com.

The school resource officer remains on administrative leave while a formal internal affairs investigation is underway, officials said.

Classes resume Wednesday at the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 alternative school, after school was canceled Tuesday.