Student caught with gun at Palatine High School

A Palatine High School freshman is in police custody after school officials say staff members discovered a gun concealed in his belongings Tuesday morning, according to a letter sent to parents.

"According to the Palatine police, they believe there is no threat to safety at this time," Principal Tony Medina wrote in the letter. "As a precaution, additional police officers will be on campus."

Medina credited "two alert staff members" with finding the weapon wrapped in a sweatshirt the student left at his desk about 11 a.m.

The staff members told a school resource officer they saw a student suspiciously hide something in a sweatshirt and place it on a desk, according to a release issued by the Palatine Police Department Tuesday afternoon. When the staff member retrieved the sweatshirt, a small handgun was discovered wrapped inside, according to police.

The student, who was not identified by police beyond being 15 years old, was taken into custody and remains at police headquarters while the investigation continues.

Medina wrote that the situation was quickly contained "through the excellent work of our staff members and our School resource officer."

According to Medina's letter, reports indicate the student had the weapon because he had been receiving threats in the community. The school is working closely with police to ensure the student does not return to Palatine High School, Medina wrote.

"We are grateful for our vigilant staff, and we always encourage anyone with information pertaining to school safety to report it immediately," the letter reads.