Student accused of threatening to kill teacher
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<p align="justify">A Macomb High School student who allegedly made threats to kill one of her teachers and amassed several knives is free after spending the night in juvenile detention.
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The 16-year-old Macomb girl was originally detained on one count of solicitation of murder, but during her initial appearance Tuesday in juvenile court prosecutors filed two counts of attempted aggravated battery.
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<p align="justify">According to court documents, between Nov. 24 and Monday the girl "requested the help of others to obtain weapons to kill one of her teachers at school." The documents also state the girl gathered four knives and set a date for achieving that goal.
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<p align="justify">Macomb Superintendent Alene Reuschel said Tuesday school officials determined there was "no imminent danger" for students.
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<p align="justify">"If there had been any question at all about safety we would have canceled school," she said. "We want to assure the public that our students are safe … that every procedure and protocol to ensure the safety of our students was addressed."
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<p align="justify">Macomb police said the girl made threats over the Internet involving students and staff members, and some of her fellow students contacted the FBI. The FBI contacted Macomb police Monday afternoon.
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<p align="justify">The girl was arrested at her home just after 12 a.m. Tuesday and was later transported to the Mary Davis juvenile detention facility in Galesburg. Police seized the girl's computer and other items from her home.
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<p align="justify">Reuschel said she met with staff members at the Macomb Junior/Senior High School on Tuesday morning to inform them of the situation. A security sweep of the building was conducted, and Reuschel said nothing was found.
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<p align="justify">A detention hearing for the girl had been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, but attorneys reached an agreement that released to her mother. She was ordered to have a psychological evaluation within 14 days and to attend school, if she's permitted.
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<p align="justify">School officials couldn't comment Tuesday on whether the girl will be allowed back into classes.
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<p align="justify">The agreement also calls for the girl not to have contact with a list of five people, at least one of which is a Macomb police officer and one who is a teacher in the Macomb School District.
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<p align="justify">Reuschel said Tuesday no students asked to leave school Tuesday, and she had received no calls of concern about the incident.
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<p align="center">Reach Journal Star reporter Jodi Pospeschil at (309) 686-3041 or state@pjstar.com.
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