ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – Authorities have filed criminal charges against two teenagers after a School Resource Officer’s firearm was taken from a bathroom at the Forest View Education Center on Monday.
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, the incident began shortly before student dismissal when an officer, who also serves as the school’s resource officer, left his firearm “unattended” in a restroom.
The officer realized the gun was missing shortly after students were released for the day. An extensive search of the school building and grounds followed, but the weapon was not located, leading officials to cancel classes on Tuesday.
Charges Filed
Police identified the suspects through hallway surveillance footage. Authorities allege that 18-year-old Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo removed the gun from the bathroom, concealed it, and took it off school property.
The investigation revealed the following:
- Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo (18): Charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in a School.
- Unnamed Juvenile (17): Charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in a School, and Theft of Lost or Mislaid Property.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
On Tuesday night, police executed a search warrant in a neighboring community. While they recovered a tactical flashlight that was attached to the handgun, the firearm itself remains missing.
The School Resource Officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending a formal internal affairs investigation.
How To Provide Information
The Arlington Heights Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating the stolen handgun. If you have any information, please contact:
- Phone: 847-368-5300
- Email: [email protected]
