The Kenosha Police Department arrested a 13-year-old believed to be armed who tried to enter Roosevelt Elementary School on Thursday.
District leaders say the teen tried to enter the school around 9:00 on Thursday morning, carrying "suspicious bags." When school staff tried to speak with him, he ran out of the building and into the surrounding neighborhood.
The 13-year-old was later located and arrested shortly after 2 p.m.
“We believe that this was actually an armed suspect with a firearm, and there was no legitimate reason to enter the school," Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Watch: 'Potential school shooting' thwarted in Kenosha; 13-year-old arrested
Only the "quick and diligent action" of school staff prevented the teen from entering the school, Chief Patton added.
"Today we experienced something that all school staff and families fear - a potential school shooting," Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss said at the news conference. "Today we are thankful."
Area schools were put on a secure hold while police conducted their search.
Watch a news conference from police announcing the arrest:
KCSO emphasizes that there is no threat to any school, and that deputies are "working out of an abundance of caution."
Read the full press release from KUSD here:
Roosevelt Incident press release by TMJ4 News on Scribd
The situation left parents worried for the safety of their children. Dozens waited outside Roosevelt Elementary Thursday afternoon.
"To have my five-year-old be locked inside of a building because someone might be threatening them, it’s horrible," said Daniel Norris. "What kind of world do we live in now?"
Other parents who spoke with TMJ4 say they're grateful their kids were not harmed but are now fearful of what should be a safe space.
"It’s lucky we pray every day before they come, but that’s still, that’s not enough," said Dejah Dicko.
Others were thankful for the teacher and staff that stepped in to intercept the suspect.
"Now that everything is done, it's a big relief, and I am glad no one was hurt and that everyone is safe," said Marie, a grandparent.
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