A report of a ‘unknown object’ prompted police and firefighters to Lane Tech College Prep high school Friday afternoon on the Northwest Side.
At 1:25 p.m. firefighters were called to the school, 2501 W. Addison St., for a call of an ‘unknown object,’ said spokesperson Larry Merritt. A Level I hazardous materials call for the object was “secured” at 1:44 p.m., he added.
Merritt didn’t know exactly why the object was suspicious.
Chicago police said they were on the scene but had no further details immediately.
According to police radio transmissions, it happened during 6th period, a “soft lockdown” was put in place and some of the students were moved to another building.
A Chicago police officer on the scene reported to an OEMC dispatcher they were detaining someone after a backpack was found in the men’s washroom on the second floor of the school.
“I have him in my custody,’’ the officer told the dispatcher. “There’s a backpack…I’ve not heard any noises or sounds from the backpack.”
A Chicago Public Schools representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.