Police: Teen threatened to shoot up Hinsdale South High School

DARIEN, Ill. (WLS) -- A 16-year-old student is facing eight felony charges after allegedly threatening to shoot up Hinsdale South High School and threatening another student, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.

Darien police said on Monday, a student alerted officials to a Snapchat post containing the alleged threats against a specific student. Prosecutors said in court Wednesday the teen had also promised to shoot up the school, calling it a "Southocaust."

"Without this young man coming forward to report this, we might very well have never heard about this," said Darien Police Commander Gerry Piccoli.

The ensuing investigation led police to the 16-year-old's home where officers found several guns, ammunition, shooting targets, explosives, knives, brass knuckles and gas masks, police said. How the teenager acquired the cache of weapons is still under investigation.

"We were very disturbed. It's very shocking. We have great kids. We have great families. This is a great place to live, a great place to send your kids to school," said Bruce Law, Superintendent of Hinsdale School District 86.

Despite the discovery of the Nazi uniform, police said there's no indication of a racial motive or an indication of any accomplice. Police said the suspect's parents were not aware of the weapons cache.

Police also said they searched the student's locker and found no other weapons or devices.

At Hinsdale South, news of the arrest was met with disbelief.

"My heart kind of stopped for a second because it's, like, this is actually happening at the school I go to," said student Juan Salazar.

"It's really sad. I wish people would find another way to kind of release their anger in a more positive way," said student Miranda Lowery.

The teen was charged with eight felonies: one count of possession of an explosive or incendiary device, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, three counts of possession of firearms without a FOID card and two counts of disorderly conduct.

The teen appeared in court Wednesday and was ordered held. He is next scheduled to be in court on Oct. 19.