Rantoul School Takes Precaution After Report of Gunfire in Neighborhood
School officials in Rantoul say they briefly increased security measures at Eastlawn Elementary on Monday afternoon after police reported gunfire in a nearby neighborhood. According to authorities, the incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. near Briarcliff Drive, roughly half a mile from the school.
Rantoul City Schools Superintendent Scott Woods said the district was notified by police around 2:10 p.m. and adjusted procedures accordingly to keep students and staff safe. The school resource officer initiated the “secure” protocol, which limits entry and exit from the building but allows normal activities to continue inside.
Police said a vehicle traveling southbound on Juniper Drive was reportedly targeted when a gold SUV fired several rounds in its direction. Officers recovered multiple shell casings at the scene and confirmed that no injuries were reported. The SUV involved was last seen heading north on Maplewood Drive, the same road where the school is located.
Woods explained that during a “secure” status, doors remain locked and students outside return indoors, but classroom activities continue as usual. By approximately 2:30 p.m., police informed the district that the precaution could be lifted, and Eastlawn Elementary dismissed students following their normal end-of-day routine.
Parents received notifications about the security measure and its resolution. One parent told WCIA she appreciated the district’s communication and felt reassured by both school staff and law enforcement.
Superintendent Woods also praised the coordinated response, noting the calm inside the building during the precaution. He added that the situation is not expected to impact school operations on Tuesday.
Rantoul Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 or contact the department directly at 217-892-2103.
