Crime & Safety

No Other Threats at Home of Man Who Referenced School Massacre: Police

Palos area schools will remain under a soft lockdown for the rest of the week.

Police are continuing to investigate a Palos Hills man who

Michael L. Lynch, 31, was hospitalized after his arrest on Monday. He is charged with driving under the influence and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.

Police notified Palos Hills schools of the alleged threats. Area schools were already on soft lockdown as police search for two bank robbers who broke out of a Chicago jail and had reportedly traveled to Tinley Park.

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Schools are expected to remain at this heightened level of security for the rest of the week.

Palos Hills officers confiscated guns and ammunition from Lynch's home, police said. Investigators did not find anything at his house to indicate he would take any further actions.

Find out what's happening in Paloswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police have stepped up security in response to the threats to ensure the safety of the schools and Palos Hills residents.

“Every threat that is made is taken seriously and needs to be investigated thoroughly so we can do our best to prevent tragedies from occurring," said Palos Hills Deputy Chief Jeff Cucio.

Cucio could not comment on Lynch's current medical condition.

Lynch told officers while in custody that he was going to hurt children at a school and would come back to shoot up the police station, Palos Hills police said. He also reportedly made references to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary where 27 people died, including 20 children, six adults and the gunman. Police said he was intoxicated when he allegedly made the statements.

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