Mass Murder At Grand Prairie Elementary Prevented, Attempted Murder Charges Filed Against This Teen: Sheriff

JOLIET, IL — The Will County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday morning that the 15-year-old boy who was stopped from committing a mass murder at the Grand Prairie Elementary School in Joliet along Caton Farm Road is now facing attempted murder charges.

As of Thursday morning, the juvenile was released from the hospital, and he is now in police custody on attempted murder charges. He was subsequently transported to River Valley Justice Detention Center, pending an initial court appearance on Friday, June 5.

According to the sheriff's agency, the boy has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted making a terrorist threat and several weapons charges after the Will County Sheriff’s Office learned the juvenile was plotting a school shooting.

The charges stem from a Plainfield Township incident around 12:50 p.m. on May 22 when deputies were dispatched to the 2400 block of Helmar Lane for a suicidal person.

The sheriff's agency said the boy's family member pinned down the juvenile and dialed 911 after they discovered he was armed with a gun.

"It was later learned that the juvenile was on his way to conduct a school shooting at nearby Grand Prairie Elementary school, when the family member intervened. Deputies detained the juvenile who indicated to numerous first responders what his intentions were. Deputies recovered a Glock handgun, a backpack which contained multiple loaded magazines, knives, an accelerant, gloves, and other items," sheriff's officials said.

The boy accused of plotting a school shooting at Grand Prairie Elementary School in Joliet is a freshman at Plainfield Central High School, according to Superintendent Glenn Wood.

The juvenile was taken to a nearby hospital where he was in police custody and was evaluated by medical professionals after making suicidal and homicidal statements to EMS on scene.

"Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility. If you have concerns about suspicious activity, we encourage you to contact the Will County Sheriff's Office at 815-727-8575," Will County police said.