Quick Action by Sheriff's Office Protects Students Following School Safety Tip

Nothing is more important than the safety of our children. Under Sheriff David Zoerner's leadership, the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department treats every school safety threat with urgency, professionalism, and coordination to ensure students, staff, and families remain protected.

In May 2024, the Sheriff's Department received a tip through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Speak Up, Speak Out school safety reporting system indicating that a student may have been in possession of a loaded weapon while traveling to school.

The School Resource Officer immediately coordinated with school administrators and Sheriff's deputies to identify the student's location. Deputies safely intercepted the school bus before it arrived at Wheatland School, removed the student, and conducted a thorough search of both the student and the bus.

As an added precaution, Wheatland School was temporarily placed on lockdown while deputies ensured there was no danger to students or staff.

Investigators did not locate a weapon, and authorities determined there was no ongoing threat to students at either Westosha Central High School or Wheatland School. Throughout the incident, there was never a direct threat made against students, and the investigation continued to ensure all available information was thoroughly reviewed.

"When it comes to the safety of our schools, we don't take chances. Every report is treated seriously, every threat is investigated, and every available resource is used to protect our students, teachers, and staff. Parents deserve to know that when a concern is reported, the Sheriff's Department responds immediately."

Sheriff Zoerner has made school safety a top priority by investing in School Resource Officers, strengthening partnerships with local school districts, and supporting programs like Speak Up, Speak Out that encourage students and community members to report suspicious activity. His approach is simple: respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and always put the safety of children first.