2 boys, ages 14 and 15 years old, appeared in Ogle County court for the first time yesterday afternoon in juvenile court after a CO2 powered pistol was found in a locker Wednesday morning at RTHS.
No one suffered any injuries from the incident. RTHS was placed under a soft lockdown for a period of time for the students and staff.
Superintendent Jason Harper said that students had informed Assistant Principal Rich Harvey about the pistol in the locker. Video also indicated that the teens had placed the object at that location. The pistol was not loaded and appeared inoperable.
Ogle County State's Attorney Eric Morrow told Good Time Oldies 1060 and The Coyote news that the teens have been charged with 6 counts of disorderly conduct, a Class "C" misdemeanor. He said 6 students were alarmed when they told the administration about the pistol in the locker.
Morrow said the teens will not be charged with the Class 2 felony of unlawful use of a weapon. He said after further investigation and research, the pistol is not considered a firearm and does not fit the state statute.
Following the hearing today, the 14-year old boy has been released to Focus House.
The 15-year old was released to his parents, but must appear Monday through Friday at the report center at Focus House.
A status hearing has been scheduled for March 27th for the 15 year old in Ogle County court. The 14 year old boy appears before a judge on April 17th, also for a status hearing in the case.
