The Arlington Heights Police Department has charged two offenders in connection with the theft of the Arlington Heights Police Department’s School Resource Officer’s service weapon that occurred on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Forest View Educational Center.
Detectives determined an 18-year-old student, Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo, removed the unattended firearm from a restroom after school was dismissed at about 2:50 p.m. The timeline was updated after revisiting video imaging and suspect interview. Sanchez Jaramillo allegedly concealed the firearm and removed it from school grounds. Shortly thereafter, Sanchez Jaramillo transferred possession of the weapon to a 17-year-old juvenile in a neighboring community.
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, on Tuesday night, May 5, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant in a neighboring community where the stolen handgun was last seen. During the search, detectives located a rail-mounted tactical flashlight that was attached to the firearm when it was stolen. Identity was corroborated though the light’s serial number. An extensive search of the apartment did not yield the stolen handgun. The juvenile was placed under arrest and transported to the Arlington Heights Police Department headquarters.
The Arlington Heights Police Department did not describe the apprehension of Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo.
Arlington Heights Police Department detectives reviewed case facts and known evidence with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The States’ Attorney approved charges against Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo — a single count of …
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in a School, a class 3 felony.
Charges were also approved against the unnamed juvenile, to include:
Possession of a Stolen Firearm (one count), and
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in a School.
The juvenile’s charges are class 2 and 3 felonies, respectively.
In addition, a class A misdemeanor count of Theft of Lost or Mislaid Property was lodged against the juvenile.
Pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act, any additional information regarding the juvenile is prohibited from release, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department.
Juan Pablo Sanchez Jaramillo is in custody at the Cook County Department of Corrections, 2700 South California Avenue. The custody status of the juvenile is unknown publicly.
Earlier Report …
Arlington Heights Police K9s supplemented by Cook County Sheriff’s Police and Palatine Police K9 units conducted an extensive search of the school building and grounds Monday afternoon and evening. K9s trained specifically for weapon detection were utilized in the search. The K9 search did not reveal the presence of a firearm. Based on the length of time necessary to complete a thorough search and out of an abundance of caution, school administration made the determination to cancel Tuesday, May 5, 2026 classes for the specialized schools at Forest View. School officials messaged families and staff.
Detectives are conducting a detailed investigation into the location of the stolen firearm. In the police press release, the Arlington Heights Police Department stated that the department “takes this matter very seriously and intends to dedicate all necessary resources toward the recovery of the firearm and individual(s) responsible. We understand the community’s obvious concerns regarding a matter of this magnitude. Additional uniformed police presence were present at the Forest View campus Tuesday, May 5, 2026 and subsequent days. The Police Department indicated the department will continue to work collaboratively with school officials to ensure the safety of all students and staff.”
“We are committed to remaining accountable for our actions as an organization and taking responsibility for the frustration and anger this incident caused within our school community. While the Police Department pursues active investigative leads, we ask any member of the community with information regarding this subject to contact detectives at (847) 368-5300.
The Police Department will provide an update when significant details become available.”
— Arlington Heights Police Dept.
The Arlington Heights Police Department indicated regret for “this unfortunate and embarrassing incident”. According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, the police department will conduct a comprehensive review pursuant to applicable policy.
Some students that attend Forest View Educational Center are not eligible to attend their home high school because they have not attained a behavioral rating that allows eligibility to attend their home high school, or they have disciplinary issues that exclude them from their home high school in District 214.
One Subject in Custody
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, police officers and detectives have narrowed the scope of the investigation to a small group of individuals connected to this case. One subject is currently in custody at the Arlington Heights Police Department and is cooperating with detectives. At this time, the Police Department is confident the stolen firearm was removed from the school grounds and there are no additional known threats. The Village and Police Department have been in close contact with school officials throughout the day, collaboratively sharing pertinent information related to the case and reviewing safety protocols.
The school district made the decision to resume classes, Wednesday, May 6th, 2026. The Police Department provided dedicated uniformed police presence throughout the school day.
Safety protocols, including restricted access and metal detector screening will remain in place for all students arriving for class Wednesday.
Administrative Leave
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, the School Resource Officer has been placed on administrative leave pending a formal internal affairs investigation. The Police Department maintains a strict code of conduct and violations of policies and procedures are taken seriously. High ranking investigators assigned to conduct this review will be working closely with school officials to examine all aspects of this incident. A thorough assessment is a critical and necessary component to not only maintain a high level of accountability, but also ensure current guiding policy and procedures are effective.
Gun remains missing after being lost by Forest View Educational Center police school resource officer in Arlington Heights Illinois (John Garcia/ABC 7 Chicago). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Arlington Heights school building Forest View Educational Center closed after school resource officer loses gun inside a bathroom (Jenn Schanz/NBC Chicago). YouTube Tips ⓘ
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