Thornwood High School to add security measures after 2 teens detained at football game: spokesperson

SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (WLS) -- A suburban high school has been reviewing who can attend athletic events after a pair of incidents at a football game on Friday night.

Thornwood High School was hosting Marian Catholic when two teenagers from two other school districts were taken into custody. The principal said one student was found to have something that looked like a weapon.

SEE ALSO | Video shows chaotic confrontation between drag racers, police in Pilsen; 6 CPD vehicles damaged

Another student allegedly attacked a woman after the teenager was found sitting on the woman's car.

Over the weekend, the school's principal sent a letter to parents, saying there would be an indefinite ban on all students attending athletic events at the high school in South Holland.

But Monday, a spokesperson said no such ban is being instituted, but security is being reviewed for future home sporting events. More details were released later Monday.

"Ultimately, the plan calls for a more significant presence of police personnel, installation of metal detectors and security gates, designated areas for student parking, faculty parking, and student drop-off, and restricted access in and around campuses," the school district said in a statement.

District 205 said it has maintained its agreement with the Cook County Sheriff's Office to provide a police presence during all home games at Thornridge, Thornton, and Thornwood schools. Local police in Dolton, Harvey, and South Holland also provide officers who patrol areas in and around the football fields.

"The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and facilities is paramount," said Superintendent Dr. Nathaniel Cunningham, Jr. "We recognize that as a society, we live in different times. Fighting and mob-like attacks are prevalent. It is a national emergency, and District 205's board and administration have placed an immediate focus on mitigation to the fullest extent possible."