Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2022 | View in browser
Evanston Police Department Completes Investigation Into Nooses at Haven Middle School
EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Police Department today announced the completion of its investigation into the May 13 display of three nooses on Haven Middle School grounds.
On May 13, 2022 at 1:40 p.m., the Evanston Police Department responded to Haven Middle School, located at 2417 Prairie Ave., in Evanston, following reports of a disturbance. While on the scene, officers spoke to a witness who pointed out three ropes fashioned into nooses hanging from a tree in the school’s recess area, which officers promptly removed and recovered as evidence.
The Evanston Police Department’s Detective Bureau immediately initiated an investigation into the incident in cooperation with Evanston/Skokie School District 65. This collaborative investigation, which included witness interviews along with the review of surveillance footage and cellphone videos, ultimately revealed that a Haven Middle School student was responsible for the nooses. Due to the involved student’s status as a juvenile, the student’s identity cannot be released.
As a result of the investigation, the Evanston Police Department has referred the involved juvenile to Juvenile Court for the misdemeanor offense of Disorderly Conduct. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office will determine how the case will be adjudicated. In addition, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the Evanston Police Department’s investigation and determined that the offending juvenile would not be referred to Juvenile Court for a Hate Crime Offense because the actions and motive of the involved juvenile did not meet the legal, statutory elements of a hate crime.
The Evanston Police Department takes this incident and all such incidents extremely seriously, and appreciates the cooperation of the school district in this investigation. The Department encourages all students, parents and staff to report any suspicious activity as it occurs to police and/or school officials. To report suspicious activity, contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000 or Text-a-Tip to CRIMES (274637) and begin the message with EPDTIP. For emergencies, always dial 911.
-END-
Media Relations: Commander Ryan Glew rglew@cityofevanston.org Phone: 847-866-5026
|