Kenosha, Wisconsin – A 13-year-old boy was apprehended after attempting to gain access to an elementary school while reportedly armed. The incident unfolded on Thursday morning when school staff confronted the youth shortly before 9 a.m. as he approached Roosevelt Elementary School carrying a backpack and a duffle bag, according to local authorities.
Police from Kenosha indicated that they suspect the boy was in possession of a firearm when he was halted at the secured entrance of the school. Surveillance footage revealed the presence of a large black bag at his side during the encounter. Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton stated, “We believe that this was actually an armed suspect with a firearm and there was no legitimate reason to enter the school,” adding that the day could have turned tragic had the school staff not acted quickly.
“The only reason the individual was not able to fully enter the school was because of the quick and diligent actions of the school staff,” Patton emphasized. He noted that the boy fled on foot as soon as staff approached him.
The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed by the police, nor has there been any information about how he obtained the weapon. Reports indicate that the boy’s mother is cooperating with investigators. The youth, who previously attended Roosevelt Elementary, is currently a student at Mahone Middle School. He was located by police around 2:05 p.m. as part of a community search effort.
Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weiss mentioned that the suspect had tried various outside doors and entrances before reaching the secured entry. Authorities have also revealed that they possess information indicating the boy had conducted multiple internet searches related to school shootings leading up to the incident.
Patton noted that the suspect had been sharing videos and making alarming comments to peers in the weeks preceding Thursday’s events. He stated, “This is something that had been told to people of his growing intentions.” The police chief highlighted the presence of multiple warning signs that ideally should have prompted someone to report the situation.
In response to the incident, all schools within the Kenosha Unified district were placed on a “secure hold” lockdown for the remainder of the day. Additionally, there were no classes scheduled for Friday, as it was designated as a day off for staff work purposes.