Suspect arrested in Huntley High School bomb threat

A 25-year-old Union man is facing a felony disorderly conduct charge alleging he made a bomb threat Saturday against Huntley High School.

Derek M. Habbley, of he 10000 block of Ridge Lane, was arrested in the school’s parking lot by police responding to the threat, which forced the evacuation of the building and several nearby homes. A swim meet and bowling event were taking place at the time, and a play performance scheduled for Saturday evening was canceled as a result, police said.

According to police, Habbley called a cellular service provider Saturday and reported he had a bomb in his backpack at the school. He gave the provider a description of himself and his vehicle, police said.

“The statements the caller had made were very suspicious in nature,” Deputy Police Chief Michael Klunk said.

Officers responding at about 1:56 p.m. found Habbley in his vehicle in the southeast section of the school’s parking lot. Officers spoke with the occupant, who admitted making the threats, police said.

Klunk said the contents of a backpack found with Habbley and another bag found near the school’s stadium were removed by a robot and x-rayed. They were found to be safe, he said.

The vehicle and the bag were removed from the property, and at 8:53 p.m. the investigation was concluded and the school was reopened. Residents in the area were also allowed to return to their homes.

Habbley, a former Huntley High School student, was transported to the McHenry County jail, where he remained Sunday awaiting a bond hearing Monday morning.