Firearm Found in Evanston Township High School Locker
A 17-year-old student was detained after school staff discovered a gun in a locker on Friday.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Do you feel safe regarding the security measures currently in place at your local high school?
Personnel at Evanston Township High School discovered a firearm and a loaded magazine inside a student's locker. Police subsequently detained a 17-year-old male student for questioning regarding the incident.
Why it matters
The discovery occurred during an unrelated theft investigation at the school. Officials have confirmed that no active threat existed to the broader school community following the recovery of the weapon.
Staff recovered a Glock 48 handgun and a magazine containing 14 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. The student involved in the incident is 17 years old.
The players
Evanston Township High School
This is the secondary educational institution where the discovery of the firearm occurred.
Marcus Campbell
He serves as the Superintendent who confirmed there was no active threat to the school community.
The details
School personnel encountered the items while conducting a search related to a theft investigation. After the items were found in the student's locker, local police were notified and took the teenager to the station for questioning.
Timeline
Friday morning, October 9, 2026: A firearm and magazine were discovered in a student locker.
Culture Shift
This incident reflects the ongoing tension between student safety and campus security protocols within Illinois state safe school zone statutes. Schools are increasingly utilizing theft investigations and locker checks as primary points for identifying potential security breaches.
Students and families can expect increased focus on security protocols and locker accessibility during the investigation. The school's administrative response highlights the importance of daily reporting and communication regarding student safety.
The takeaway
School safety relies on vigilant staff oversight during routine administrative tasks such as theft investigations. Consistent communication from leadership is essential to maintaining trust within the school community after security incidents.
Further reading
For more information on local campus safety, visit the Secondary Education section.
Live Poll
Do you feel safe regarding the security measures currently in place at your local high school?
