Franklin Park man charged for making threats to Antioch Community High School

A Franklin Park man has been charged with threatening to carry out a violent attack at Antioch Community High School, authorities said Wednesday.

Nicholas Stevens, 19, of the 2700 block of Elder Lane, is being held in Lake County jail on $50,000 bail, officials said. Stevens is charged with harassment through electronic communication and disorderly conduct, transmitting a threat of destruction or violence against persons at a school. He faces up to three years in prison and fines for each offense, authorities said in a news release.

The parents of an Antioch student contacted police about the threats at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said.

Stevens was an ex-boyfriend of the student who received multiple threats by text messaging, authorities said. The threats were due to a recent breakup between Stevens and the student, police said.

Authorities said Stevens made direct threats against the safety and security of the Antioch Community High School population. They did not provide details about the specific threats.

Antioch police were in constant communication with administrators at Antioch-Lake Villa Area High School District 117, officials said. Authorities said there is no risk to the school, and parents, students and staff members "can feel comfortable carrying on daily academic routines at the school."

Stevens was taken into custody at his house about 1 a.m. Wednesday, and he appeared in Lake County bond court later that morning, authorities said.

District 117 Superintendent Jim McKay would not comment except to say, "We commend the Antioch Police Department for their diligence in handling this case."