Two juveniles arrested after pellet gun incident prompts Buncombe Grade School lockdown

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BUNCOMBE, Ill. (KBSI) — Two juveniles were arrested Monday after an incident near Buncombe Grade School that prompted a brief lockdown, officials said.

Authorities initially responded around 11:24 a.m. to reports of shots fired about half a block from the school. As a precaution, Buncombe Grade School immediately went into lockdown.

Mayor Jason Grant reported the suspects, both from outside the area, were arrested for criminal damage to property after allegedly using a pellet gun to shoot out the windows of a nearby van.

The lockdown was lifted after police confirmed a pellet gun had been used. Grant assured residents there was no ongoing threat and said the community remains safe.

Buncombe Consolidated School District No. 43 confirmed the lockdown and praised the quick response. “The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority,” Superintendent Jamie Kerley said. “We are grateful for the swift response from local and state authorities and the cooperation of our staff in keeping everyone safe.”

For more information, residents may contact the Buncombe Consolidated School District No. 43 at (618) 658-8830.