Feb. 25--Charges are pending against a 15-year-old Joliet Central High School student after he allegedly posted a threat on Twitter to "shoot up the school" in response to being taunted over shoes he was wearing at a basketball game, police said.
The teen, who is from Joliet, will appear in juvenile court Thursday morning, when he is expected to be charged with felony disorderly conduct, authorities said. He is being held at the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Joliet pending his court appearance.
Joliet police Deputy Chief Al Roechner said the teen tweeted the threat after others made fun of his new shoes Tuesday at a basketball game at which he was a spectator.
The teen posted, "I'm going to shoot up the school for getting roasted today," Roechner said.
Roechner said police worked with the FBI to determine the owner of the Twitter account and waited for the student at school Wednesday morning. After he arrived, he was taken into custody.
Roechner said police spoke with the teen and he admitted to posting the threat. There was no indication the teen planned to carry out the threat, Roechner said.
Joliet's public high schools -- Central and West -- were not placed on lockdown, according to a spokeswoman for Joliet Township High School District 204.
The following statement was sent to families of Joliet Central students: "The threat was found to be unsubstantiated and the safety of our students was not jeopardized at any time in relation to this incident. Joliet Central High School followed safety and security measures while the investigation took place and worked in partnership with the Joliet Police Department."
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter.
