Crystal Lake police search for Adrian Salazar, 18; soft lockdown lifted

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- Crystal Lake schools went on soft lockdown Monday morning after a despondent teen went missing.

Adrian Salazar, 18, was last seen leaving his home late Sunday evening. Police believe the Crystal Lake Central High School student may be carrying a gun.

But authorities said they have no information indicating he is a danger to the public.

Students at Crystal Lake Central left class for the day after district officials lifted the precautionary security measure at several area schools Monday afternoon.

"No one needs to be subjected to criticism when we don't know what they could be going through. Even though it is a dangerous situation," said Nick Hein, a junior at Crystal Lake Central.

The northwest suburb's four high schools and several grade schools went on alert Monday morning as police continued looking for 18-year-old Salazar. District 47 and District 155 were placed on soft lockdown in response to the police search.

"We don't believe any that any of our students were in danger on campus. There was no threat that was immediate to any of our students throughout the day. It was precautionary," Jeff Puma said.

School officials said an increased number of security patrols were on hand on Monday. Students were allowed to move from class to class, but no one was allowed in or out of the buildings.

Sources close to the investigation said Salazar voluntarily left his home late Sunday evening and is "in need of immediate assistance." A family member told police the teen made despondent posts on social media, but no threats to anyone else.

Authorities interviewed Salazar's friends on Monday.

"They're scared. They're scared of what could happen," said Zolia Diaz, who lives in Crystal Lake.

Salazar has brown hair and brown eyes, is about 5 ft. 6 in. tall and weighs about 125 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black sweater and black pants.

Authorities said anyone who sees Salazar should not approach him, but call 911 instead. Anyone with information regarding Salazar's whereabouts should call Crystal Lake police at (815) 356-3741 or (815) 356-3620.

District officials do not anticipate any changes in Tuesday's schedule.