Large police presence near Jones College Prep in South Loop due to a swatting incident, says CPD

CHICAGO (WLS) — Several Chicago-area schools received threatening calls on Wednesday, according to Chicago police, leading to a significant police presence in the South Loop.

CPD said Jones College Prep, which is operated by Chicago Public Schools and is located at 700 S. State St., was one of the schools involved.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Police and SWAT teams swept every floor of the school, but the threat was deemed not credible.

CPD said there is no threat to students.

They called the incident swatting, in which a threatening call is made to prompt a SWAT response.

Students were released later Wednesday afternoon, much to the relief of many parents who came to pick up their children.

About 3:30 p.m., there was a large police presence outside the South Loop high school.

In a letter to families, Jones College Prep said a threat was received via email, and the school was placed on hard lockdown.

“I am incredibly grateful for our students and staff. Even though this threat turned out to be unfounded, it was a scary situation for many of us. The way our students and staff handled themselves, supported each other, and followed protocols made me and our team very proud,” stated the principal in a letter.

After-school activities were still expected to take place.

This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.