School takes 'graffiti' message as a threat

Saturday, January 27, 2007

MONMOUTH - Law enforcement agencies are investigating a threatening message found Friday in a girls' restroom at Monmouth-Roseville Junior High in Roseville.

According to the Warren County State's Attorney office, the "graffiti-type message" was vague and is believed to be a prank, but could be construed as a general threat involving the school on Monday.

A student discovered the message in the restroom early Friday afternoon and told school officials, who reported the incident to the Warren County Sheriff's Department.

The school district on Friday sent notices to parents of junior high school students stating a threatening message had been found on school property and extra security measures would be put in place.

The Warren County Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police and Monmouth Police Department are investigating the incident. All three agencies will provide additional security next week in Roseville and Monmouth.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call Warren County Sheriff's Department at 734-8505 or Warren County Crime Stoppers at 734-9363. A reward of up to $1,000 may be given for information that leads to an arrest or prosecution.