Evanston High School Student Arrested Over Stolen Gun
A student faces weapons charges after school staff discovered a firearm inside a locker during an investigation.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
Evanston Township High School staff discovered a handgun in a student locker on Oct. 9, 2026. The 17-year-old student was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple weapons offenses.
Why it matters
This incident highlights ongoing campus security concerns regarding weapon possession and the unauthorized presence of firearms within local schools. It also underscores the importance of school staff oversight during routine investigations.
The 17-year-old student faced charges of unlawful possession of weapons, unlawful possession of a firearm, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. The recovered Glock 48 handgun had been reported stolen in Chicago.
The players
Evanston Township High School
The local secondary educational institution where the discovery and subsequent safety protocols occurred.
Evanston Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the incident and managing the suspect's arrest.
The details
School staff discovered the unloaded Glock 48 while conducting a separate theft investigation in a student locker at 10:24 a.m. Following the discovery of the firearm and a magazine containing 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition, staff immediately contacted local law enforcement. Police took the student into custody and transported him to the Evanston Police/Fire Headquarters for processing.
Timeline
Staff found the weapon at 10:24 a.m. Oct. 9, 2026.
The student was arrested and charged on Oct. 9, 2026.
The school superintendent notified families shortly after 12:00 p.m. Oct. 9, 2026.
The Home Front
The incident reinforces the standard zero-tolerance policies governing student conduct and safety in district-level secondary education. It reflects broader ongoing efforts by local school districts to maintain secure facilities against the prevalence of regional gun violence.
Families should review the district code of conduct and safety procedures to understand school-based security expectations. Discussing the incident with teenagers can help reinforce the legal and safety consequences of weapon possession for their peer groups.
The takeaway
This event serves as a reminder for families to discuss safety and school policies regarding prohibited items with their students. Parents can review updated emergency communications and district security updates provided through the school portal.
Further reading
For more information on current safety protocols and student conduct policies, visit the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston RoundTable.
