Pantagraph.com | News | Security tight following Pontiac school weapons incident

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Prairie Central Parent wrote on Sep 12, 2007 4:21 PM:

" You should be thankful that your school has plans that the children all have practiced for this type of disaster!! I have just found out from my son and daughter that our high school has NEVER practiced for this type of stuff!! It scares me to know this, so I have resorted to telling my childern what I think they should do if something happens!! I feel all schools should have drills for this like they do fire drills!! "

Jen-continued wrote on Sep 9, 2007 10:25 AM:

" my son was attacked during 6th grade - was being hit in the face and clawed by a girl the teacher who responded ASSUMED it was the other way around even though my son was crouched against the wall trying to protect his face. The teacher NOT knowing my son who has disabilities including post traumatic stress disorder, grabbed at my son who was already in defense mode and tried to hold him from behind - my son went into a panic and began to kick and swing while saying let me go she was hitting me im the victim - my son ACCIDENTLY made contact with the teacher's shoe(no injury) and my son got charged with FELONY assult of a school teacher, WHILE THE GIRL WE COULD NOT PRESS CHARGES AGAINST HER - the police refused even though my son was bleeding.......parents do not have a right to file complaints if a child is assulted by another student - and your child can be charged if he is PROTECTING/DEFENDING himself....the public defender REFUSED inform the judge that my son has DISABILITIES and has PTSD......which I believe is wrong the judge should know! "

Jen wrote on Sep 9, 2007 10:24 AM:

" I am a former PTHS student (1980's) and I was totally shocked at this happening in Pontiac, I live in Kankakee county now and that is something that would happen here, which thank god it has not - we just have groups of 30 girls get into fights at JR HIGH and have to have officers with MACE come in and break it up, so we moved to Bradley hoping it would be better NOT!!!PTHS needs to make it where there are ONLY 2 main enterances where students can enter with METAL DETECTORS, and after school day starts only 1 enterance where visitors enter with DRIVERS LICENSE being held while you are in the building that is what they do here! "

my thoughts ... wrote on Sep 7, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Here's a good chance to once again show everyone .. especially the younger generation how our system works today ! Especially the tough gun laws we have put into effect the past 20 years or so. If found guilty I think this will deserve at least 2 or 3 wrist slaps rather then just one. Lets throw the book at them and give them at least a years worth of probation .... this would surely have deep rooted effects and do much to stop any future such crimes. "

Liza wrote on Sep 6, 2007 11:35 PM:

" Let us please be serious. You will never convince me that a gun in school without ammo isn't dangerous. Getting your hands on 6 guns is the hard part. Anyone can buy the ammo, even where you now buy milk & bread. I pose this question: Is having a joint in school such a harmless thing as long as you don't have a match to light it with? "

Music_08 wrote on Sep 6, 2007 2:11 PM:

" EVERYBODY!!! First of all I am a PTHS senior and was in a classroom when this all happened. It's scary when your principal comes on the speaker system and tells you that it's not a drill. Your heartrate goes thru the ceiling. I am glad that the kids who did this are getting charged as adults. They knew what they were doing was wrong. I am getting sick of hearing people saying the law is backwards and that the boys should've been tried as juveniles. They got what they deserved!!! So please stop all this nonsense on the comments its over and done with. LET IT DIE!!!!!! "

Brenstalka wrote on Sep 6, 2007 1:34 PM:

" Thug life ain't easy, yo. "

ah yes wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:44 AM:

" well i probably come from a smaller town than you. but that is not the point. The point is that kids do stupid things at times, without thinking thru the consiquences of their actions. That is why we have allways charged them as Juv. THEY ARE NOT ADULTS "

Not Exactly ... wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:59 PM:

" I feel an adult that commits a crime, juvenile or other, faces charges and is held accountable for his or her OWN actions. In turn, I feel a juvenile that commits that same crime or worse ALSO needs to be held accountable, especially in this instance. I may be "small town minded" but I dont feel gun and drug violations deserve a "slap on the wrist" when it takes place in a school. "

ah yes wrote on Sep 4, 2007 2:46 PM:

" and i suppose you feel that an adult that does a "juvenile" crime should be charged as a juvenile? "

Is it so hard for you to admit ?? wrote on Sep 4, 2007 12:18 AM:

" What these boys did was wrong … plain and simple. Do I think they should be tried as adults, you bet. I’m sure the parents of these boys share in the blame, but bottom line here people is, they took guns to school, for whatever purpose, and got caught. Don’t blame the police department or court system; put the blame where it belongs. Life is all about choices. One chose to steal guns and the other chose to deal drugs. They both chose to endanger the lives of innocent students, and for what? We may never know. We know the story they tell us. Do you believe everything a thief or a drug dealer tells you? Bullets or no bullets, actions have consequences. "

Fyi wrote on Sep 3, 2007 11:06 AM:

" Since these boys can't be treated/rehabilitated or be able to find a decent job when they eventually are released, then we may as well execute them. America is a culture of pure vengence. Our motto should be: do your time, then live your life under legalized discrimination while you clean our floors for the rest of your lives. "

Grandma wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:37 PM:

" Hey, Folks, Some pretty scarry stuff was going on Tues. How would you have reacted if our kids and grandkids were killed. and further more.... Since when does "No weapons in school" mean you can have weapons but just no amo. No should mean No...at PTHS "

Chicago Resident wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:42 PM:

" I am a former resident of Pontiac as well as a PTHS Alumni. I started my career in Pontiac and have used the stepping stones to get to where I am now. I did not say Pontiac was lame in any of my posts. Now, guns in any schools, whether it be Pontiac, B/N, Chicago, etc. is going to get anyone's heartrates up. My point in my posts, we have metal detectors, which have detered bringing guns into the schools here. Oh, your misconception of Chicago. I see children playing in yards and parks all of the time. I do not worry about walking down the streets in my neighborhood. Of course, there will be violence. We have a population of over 2 million people. But Pontiac is not free from it. You can not tell me that Pontiac has not had a battery in the last three months. All you have to do is pick up a paper and look at the court records. "

Dave wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:38 PM:

" Is posting the possibility there may have not been any criminal intent or criminal action by the charged considered a "libelous statement" by the Pantagraph? "

????? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:52 PM:

" another thing chicago if our area is so lame why are you reading our lame little paper? no shooting in your neighborhood today to keep busy? "

what is wrong with people wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:51 PM:

" so in reading these comments, I just want to clarify...in order for parents to get upset someone has to die first? is that how it goes. Oh and thank you chicago resident for showing us the error in our ways. If only we could live in chicago where guns in schools wouldnt get our heartrates up. where at least one person we knew had been shot to death and our children cant play outside or walk down the street. Only a handful of battered kids in the last few months. wow I havent seen any on the streets here in our "lame" little town. "

TO BRIAN wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:59 PM:

" PANTAGRAPH JUST TOLD WHY THEY DISABLED IT. Pantagraph.com staff wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:57 AM: " When the overwhelming majority of comments posted to a story violate our rules for posting, we reserve the right to disable the comments on that story or any story. Our comment screeners try to focus their attention on those posting legitimate comments, not libelous statements made by anonymous posters, particularly in criminal cases. Michael Freimann, Online Editor. " ALSO THE SUSPECTS FAMILY ARENT MAKING IT INTO A BIGGER THING I BELIEVE THEY JUST WANT THE TRUTH TO BE OUT...BUT IT SEEMS TO ME PEOPLE LIKE TO BE BLINDED BY THE TRUTH ....I SAY INSTEAD OF CRITICIZING YOU SHOULD REALLY FIND OUT THE TRUTH .... Brian wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:44 AM: " I'd say the comments were disabled on the story about the press conference the sister and brother-in-law had because they were inflaming an already bad situation. Apparently, only the suspects family can make slanderous comments about the Pontiac police force and it remain "freedom of speech", isn't that right, Pantagraph? "

TO Possible answer to Huerta wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:44 PM:

" THANK YOU FOR EXPLAINING: wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:04 PM: " I dont know for sure, but I believe that they could be charging Huerta as an accomplice. That is why he faces the same charges as the other kid. Its like when there is a bank robbery and someone is killed. Everyone who participated in the robbery is instantly charged with murder even if they did not do the killing. A lawyer could verify if this is true or not, but that is I believe they are charging him that way. Keep in mind, the charges could be dropped or changed later. " "

TO Possible answer to Huerta wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:42 PM:

" THANK YOU FOR EXPLAINING "

huerta wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:37 PM:

" when i said my brother was misunderstood i ment people look at him and judge him as one thing when they dont even know him. He is the one that s misunderstood by other people they think he is a bad kid when he is not.... im just tired of people talkn bad about this...its really gettin to me and him i talked to him he was crying saying why do people hate him when he never did anything. "

nana wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:58 PM:

" i know martin and he isnt a bad kid he is always happy making other poeple laugh. He is just misunderstood i went to school with him..he has no problem! "

wondering wrote on Aug 30, 2007 5:04 PM:

" I keep reading about the "kids" in these stories. One thing I remember specifically when I started H.S. was "women" and "men" on the doors of the johns. I felt so grown up then. Are they boys and girls now on the johns? "

To get real and company wrote on Aug 30, 2007 4:13 PM:

" FYI-By LAW you have to be 21 to be elegible to be a police officer in IL. So that would tell you he is at least 21! He is just doing a job, doing what he was told to do, just like most of us in the working world. Luckily he chose to be a cop, as I know I wouldnt want the job since you can never do anything right by the eye of the public and immature people like yourself! Good job to the staff, the students (who make the most sense on here), and the police! "

A little late wrote on Aug 30, 2007 4:05 PM:

" Shouldn't the police have used the metal detectors on Tuesday before the kids and the book bags left. I guess they needed a little more publicity today. Oh and yeah shouldn't there be a female officer checking the girls and a male checking the boys? "

To: Get Real wrote on Aug 30, 2007 4:01 PM:

" I thought the same thing. What IS the minimum age requirement for Pontiac PD? "

To 'Tray as an adult?' wrote on Aug 30, 2007 4:00 PM:

" To 'Try as an adult? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:11 PM:' The reason they are being tried as adults is because they did an 'adult crime'. Taking guns to school is a lot different than TPing a tree on school property. I wonder if these 15 and 16 year old kids would have killed someone (maybe your child) if you'd still feel the same way?? "

TO: Paper and Online Reader wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:50 PM:

" It's just to bad you don't own newspaper so you could disable all comments isn't it? On the other hand, I enjoy reading both the positive and negative comments. So that pretty much equals out your opinion... Also, If you do not like reading the comments, you can select the option of "hide all comments on all stories" and excuse yourself from this all further conversation. Thanks "

Annoyed wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:45 PM:

" Could you Pontiac people over react anymore. I hope your getting your drama fix! "

Ridiculous argument wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:29 PM:

" How do you know they didn't have a friend who was bringing ammo? What kind of argument is that?! How do you know they did? Unless you know something that everyone else doesn't, your hypothetical is just that...hypothetical. What if they had bombs too? Oh, scary.... "

Try as an adult? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:11 PM:

" Why are these KIDS charged as adults? In trying these KIDS as adults you are just creating two more harden criminals that when they get out as adults WILL do far worse things. These are KIDS 15 and 16 and have the best chance of turning into productive citizens by rehabilitation in the juvenile system. Because onced you placed them in the adult system you have lost them and just created two more individuals that society has to worry about when they get out, which the will, as adults. The best time to try to rehabilitate these KIDS is now, while they are KIDS, but in our haste to punish we have probably ruined two lives. I had kids playing on the playground while the Sullivan KID was waiting to board the bus at Odell Grade School and am horrified and disgusted by his actions. But I am also horiffied and disgusted that when are quick to punish instead of rehabilitate the Sullivan and Huerata KIDS so that the Sullivan and Huerata adults learn how to be career criminals while being punished as adults. "

For Cry/Eye wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:11 PM:

" Police are now using metal detectors on the students? You may refer that as "increased security measures" if you wish. I prefer to call it what it is . . . a bunch of adults in uniforms and suits behaving as teenagers. Shame on them for contributing to the disorder and providing our children with a chaotic atmosphere. "

guns already a problem wrote on Aug 30, 2007 2:50 PM:

" Where are the parents and why do they have guns in a home where a 16yr old has already been in trouble with stealing and selling guns? I know that Pontiac PD often catches a lot criticism, but I have been very impressed with how the whole situation was handled! THANKS PPD for keeping our high school safe. Error on the side of caution is fine with me! "

Brian wrote on Aug 30, 2007 2:25 PM:

" I don't know why you people are talking about responsible parenting and positive influences. The family is accusing the police of framing the one kid. How's that being responsible? "

Paper and Online Reader wrote on Aug 30, 2007 2:13 PM:

" To Pantagraph Staff and the Community: I applaud you for disabling the comments on the story about the "misunderstood family." Some comments people make are full of hatred and complicate the story even more. In my opinion, all comments should be disabled, like many news agencies throughout the nation. Keep up the great moderation work, Pantagraph! "

3rd Man? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 2:10 PM:

" Why is the 3rd being charged in juvey? He's in HS and therefore must be at least 14, must be "somebody's" son. "

forensic pavarazzi journalist wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:52 PM:

" Are those metal rivets in that chlilds belt? "

Saving alot of Lives!! wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:38 PM:

" All in all, if the guns were not being used in Pontaic, then they were going in the hands of 6 others to use. So If you stop and think about it there is 6 less guns out of the hands of who knows who and the Streets just got a little bit safer for you and I !! So there was no shooting, thats great and so maybe there was never going to be, Great, But for once stop and think about OTHERS besides YOURSELF and relize WHO it could of Been!! "

Fyi wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Nice shot; love those distressed jeans. "

to CHARGES?? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:12 PM:

" I'm w/ you. It would seem he was arrested on hear say. I would almost bet the charges against him are dropped or once it goes to court, he is found not guilty. "

Possible answer to Huerta ? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:04 PM:

" I dont know for sure, but I believe that they could be charging Huerta as an accomplice. That is why he faces the same charges as the other kid. Its like when there is a bank robbery and someone is killed. Everyone who participated in the robbery is instantly charged with murder even if they did not do the killing. A lawyer could verify if this is true or not, but that is I believe they are charging him that way. Keep in mind, the charges could be dropped or changed later. "

We Should Ban wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:55 PM:

" We should ban inept parenting that cause these actions. "

Confused wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:48 PM:

" I'm also confused about the charges against Huerta. If he wasn't on the bus and wasn't in the building where the guns were, how can he be charged with possesion of guns on a bus, and possession of guns in a school? "

who do u think u r???????? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:44 PM:

" To RITA Do you have children? Are they students at PTHS? I can answer yes to both of these questions. I was and am scared silly about what happened on Tuesday. There was the potential for me to be mourning today instead of rejoicing that my children are alive. Yes there was no ammo. But they got the guns, they could get the ammo. Duh!!!!and what's to say that they don't have friends that could do something like this(or worse) in the future? "

MRS. wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:28 PM:

" Me thinks there are family members here. I too would like to know why there isn't a comment section on the story the Sister and BIL gave. " He’s not a bad kid just misunderstood"? For the love of Pete, if you knew he had problems why weren't they addressed before now? I seem to recall a student at Va. Tech being a troubled misunderstood kid too. Parents and families; never say your little darling would never do that. You don't know what your kid will do until they do it then you will blame everyone but the kid. The police did not know if there were other weapons or ammo hid somewhere else in the school. If the police didn’t know how would you expect the families to know Rita? My niece is a student there. She remained calm because she has been trained in self-defense but she still can’t stop a bullet. She had just gotten back from army basic training. Some of the kids were visibly upset. Metal dectors are not a bad thing in any school these days. I see absolutely nothing wrong with locker searches; and other bags searched. "

One Word - DRAMA wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:25 PM:

" If you think for one second that what happened is preventable, you're only lying to yourself. If those kids had any intentions of killing someone, it would have happened. I think that severe discipline is in order for these kids, but I think that 13 counts is outrageous for something that didn't even happen. Livingston County courts are corrupt in my opinion. They have a way of sticking you in the frying pan and leaving you there to burn. Because of this, these kid's lives are ruined forever. In reading through these articles, I see a lot of blame placed...but shouldn't much of this blame be on the parents for making weapons accessible to children? Wouldn't this have been prevented if they were secured? Pontiac is quick to jump when ANYTHING happens. I had friends back home calling me all day...in those calls, I never heard the same story twice. This will be the talk of the town for years to come. You can worry, complain, and protest, but when the day is done…that threat will still be there. "

No ammo wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:22 PM:

" The guns were not loaded. No threat of any kind was made using the guns. This is a posession issue only. (and an intent to sell.) The comparison to robbing a bank with an unloaded gun is not at all valid. "

CHARGES ??? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:02 PM:

" How can they charge Martin Huerta for 6counts of possession of weapons on bus premises if he was not on the bus to begin with....and 6 counts of possession of weapons on school grounds...he was not even in the school when they had the school on lock down...so from what i see they arrested him due to hearsay...because they told she told he told......etc etc... in conclusion this is not a valid reason to arrest a 15 year old "

Possible answers: wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:01 PM:

" To answer some of the questions in the blog. Please keep in mind that most of our drug laws came about in the 80's and they were supposted to be both a deterrent ( I know, I know) and an answer to public demand to lock criminals up and get them off the streets. That is why the drug charges have more time involved. Also I think the paper is ok. It appears that they are charging the other two as adults (hence the names and pictures) and it also appeared that they have a confession. They will get their day in court but it looks like that this is a done deal. I am sad for their families but glad it wasn't worse. Hope this helps... "

Huh? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:58 AM:

" To the NO AMMO postings: With your reasoning, you're saying that if someone robs a bank with a gun that doesn't have any ammo, they should be only charged with robbery and not armed robbery? No one knew the guns weren't loaded. "

Concerned wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:56 AM:

" I still stand by my statement that the children were in danger. The very fact that there were handguns in the school created a dangerous situation. I understand that they found no ammo with the guns and, to some people, that would make this situation a non-issue. However, if they could get the guns, they could certainly get the ammunition and there's something about this entire thing that isn't adding up. We're supposed to believe that they have the means to transport guns to suburban Chicago but they don't have the means to transport guns from Odell to Pontiac without resorting to using the school bus? If they wanted to successfully complete this "drugs for guns" deal, then why even bring the weapons to school in the first place? Also, even if their story is true and they were "just" engaging in some "drugs/money/weapons" running scheme...they were doing it on school property...wouldn't that alone constitute a dangerous situation? How many of us would knowingly allow our children to hang out in place where that kind of criminal activity was taking place? I know I would consider that environment too dangerous for my child. "

Danger was there wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:53 AM:

" To all of you who say they werent in danger because there was no ammo, i say wrong! I dont think the school was out of danger until the student told authorities what the guns were for. What if there was a fourth student involved and he was bringing additional guns and ammo? What if they were all going to meet up and distribute the guns and ammo and have another columbine? I think the police and the school did exactly what they needed to do and i also think that the charges were right for the situation. "

Try as an adult? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:53 AM:

" where's my post? "

You can't believe everything you hear OR read wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:39 AM:

" “We interviewed them for well over three hours, and they came clean with what happened.” "Newsome said Huerta did not admit to anything regarding this plan, and went with his rights to first speak with an attorney." Both these statements are from the article above; one is a quote, the other is a paraphrase, but since they each contradict the other, which are we to believe? There is still confusion surrounding this entire incident which is why we should not be too quick to condemn the 15 year old. "

RITA wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:34 AM:

" Six handguns.....AND NO AMMO! Absolutely no lives were at risk. I'd be more concerned that there are baseball bats in the gym, someone could use them as a weapon just as easy. "

NO AMMO wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:25 AM:

" To be concerned about the kids yesterday when no one knew if the guns were loaded is one thing. To still argue that the kids were in danger after we know there was no ammunition is blatant disregard of the facts. "

to the police and swat wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:20 AM:

" good job at handling the situation!! "

Pontiac resident, no kids in school wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:14 AM:

" After reading all the comments, here are mine. To Rita..guns in school are endangering children and staff, end of story. You say no ammo, at the time the guns were discovered did anyone know there were any more guns or ammo in the school, NO the did not. Also, the point of over reacting, when it comes to our children, school, and gun there is no such thing as "overacting". Columbine and Virginia Tech should teach you that lesson. Did our authorities take the necessary steps to control the situation? An EMPHATIC YES! Kudos to the Pontiac Police for their handling. But let's not overlook the student that brought this to the attention of the School Resource Officer. People, that took kahunas! Let's just hope this teaches everyone in Central Illinois a lesson! We are NOT immune to this activity, whether we live in small town Pontiac, medium sized Bloomington/Normal, or large town Chicago and suburbs. "

TO CONFUSED wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:11 AM:

" EXACTLY WUT WE ARE WONDERING -MARIBEL HUERTA " Can someone explain to me how this Huerta kid is being charged with 13 counts of possession when he NEVER had guns in his possession???? They weren't with him on the school bus . . . clearly he arrived after authorities were notified of guns. It says so in the article. Clearly they weren't in his locker, as they were found in one student's locker. Tell me how they can charge him with 13 counts for something he never did. " "

Pantagraph.com staff wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:57 AM:

" When the overwhelming majority of comments posted to a story violate our rules for posting, we reserve the right to disable the comments on that story or any story. Our comment screeners try to focus their attention on those posting legitimate comments, not libelous statements made by anonymous posters, particularly in criminal cases. Michael Freimann, Online Editor. "

to "to RITA" wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:56 AM:

" to RITA wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:24 AM: " Sorry, but anytime you have SIX HANDGUNS on school property, full of teenagers, you have lifes at risk" Did you miss the part about there being no ammo? The only damage those guns could do is if someone swung the back and hit someone with it. "

maybe wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:50 AM:

" this will wake up some of the other kids there "

The way I see it... wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:50 AM:

" We all know how messed up our society is today. When terrible things happen our instincts naturally want to blame someone or something. Whether it's parents for how they do or don't raise their children, the authorities, the government or even our higher power. Most of the people commenting about this unfortunate 'event' have either vented, made very valid points or even a few have made some ignorant remarks. Bottom line, when these things happen why don't we send all of these thoughts, feelings, suggestions to the politicians that want our votes. Push the issues. We as a society/ community speak volumes in numbers. Alone, we accomplish nothing. I am from Pontiac and still reside there, but I am aware that these things are happening all over. Our voices need to be heard way beyond the Pantagraph. "

I agree w/ "not happy" wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:50 AM:

" Why waste ink on this story ( the one about the "framing", and not allow us the readers to give our opionion. Come on, if you are going to pick and choose what articles we can and cannot comment on, then why even give us the option. "

Brian wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:44 AM:

" I'd say the comments were disabled on the story about the press conference the sister and brother-in-law had because they were inflaming an already bad situation. Apparently, only the suspects family can make slanderous comments about the Pontiac police force and it remain "freedom of speech", isn't that right, Pantagraph? "

Not happy wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:37 AM:

" The comments about the sister and brother-in-law story were disabled, why? Every time there is a controversial story printed by the Pantagraph they disable the comments, why? "

Concerned wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:37 AM:

" Saying that the kids were never in danger is inaccurate. There were six guns in that school which, by their very existence, created a dangerous situation. Saying we should "just get over it" is insensitive. True, no one was hurt, the suspects were apprehended and the weapons confiscated. However, none of that negates the fact that a student brought handguns into school. Yes, the code red lock-down worked, but only because everything lined up in the best possible manner. Had a student brought a loaded gun into the school and started shooting, the code red lock-down would not have been effective in preserving the safety of all students. I think this incident certainly calls into sharp light the lack of security at PTHS. I think we need to implement the use of additional security measures designed to impede someone intending to enter the school with a weapon. I understand that if someone is determined to commit a crime, they may find a way to defeat security measures. THAT is where the code red procedure comes into play as a last line of defense when the initial defenses have been breached. "

Punishment wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:26 AM:

" Take away the cushy jails, all rights and make the punishment fit the crime. Give the kids a no cost alternative to the gangs, guns and violence and maybe we wouldn't need to worry about guns in school or anywhere for that matter. We wouldn't need to worry about the child molesters either. "

Tom B. wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:22 AM:

" I commend the student who noticed the guns and alerted the proper authorities. "

All these wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:21 AM:

" comments in here show whats wrong with America. "

Tom B. wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:19 AM:

" I think that if these kids are guilty then I point a lot of responsibility to the parents. There are a lot of things being thrown at our children today and parents can take control. You have to be involved and pay close attention to everything your child does. They might think your overbearing on them now but thats nothing compared to sitting in prison at a young age. Parents have a choice and excuses for your children aren't going to save them, it's time and work spent toward your child that will payoff. Stop making the excuses and start being a parent. "

Lawsuit? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:12 AM:

" Ok, so if blame a company for something in public and then are wrong, the company can file a lawsuit against you for slander. It's about time that government and police be able file a law suit against people that slander them in public like yesterdays press conference. How convenient, instead of taking responsibility for your actions, you blame the police and government! What a joke!!! "

Real World wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:10 AM:

" A.)Pontiac hasn't been wholesome in decades. B.)As long as people live in denial nothing will ever be done about the drug and gang problem that has existed in Pontiac sinced I attended H.S. there. C.)I now work in the City of Chicago, in some of the worst neighborhoods on the South Side-Roseland and Englewood. Metal Detectors in schools have helped a great deal. In the time that I have worked in these neighborhoods, I can count on one hand how many times I've picked up a student that had been battered. Never a gun or knife involved. What happens outside of the school is another story. It's the same as what can happen when you walk outside of your home. It's the denial of the public that harms the community. And Pontiac has been in denial for a long time. "

To: A Mirror wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:50 AM:

" I agree....the system has failed and needs to be changed. Unfortunately, the only people getting into politics are the biggest crooks of all and are only worried about themselves. Nothing in the US will ever change, it will only re-arrange itself. We are a nation of failure and ignorance and the only thing we should blame is the person we see in the mirror. Just like this blog, everyone wants an opinion, but no one wants to actually work to fix it. Just hope which ever criminal we elect to run this country next, sells us out to a better country than ours. Right now, that’s our only hope. "

Reality wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:36 AM:

" The gun charges are Class 3 felony because they weren't loaded and there wasn't ammunition. Had there been either one or both, it would have been grounds for Class 1 and the same penalty as having the controlled substance. What I do think is backwards, from Dateline's report a few years ago in Florida, people caught selling and dealing drugs got out of jail in 6 months while a high schooler that worked at his high school during the summer was arrested for taking one ice cream sandwich bar and sentenced to two full years without parole. That is backwards and in my view, pointless. "

A Mirror wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:35 AM:

" USA is a scarred and panic filled land of fear. Worldwide, we are hated and mocked because we have become losers. Fat, meek sheep who cant even teach our kids right from wrong. Freedoms in the USA are on the decline, because we blame objects and substances for crimes instead of PEOPLE. USA has become a country full of little darling angels that "would never do a thing like that". "

Arg wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:34 AM:

" I had to laugh at the shrink in yesterdays article. She was talking about calming children and reassuring them. What she probably will never take the time to understand is HER reaction adds fuel to the OVERREACTION. Let's keep this in perspective people. NOBODY was EVER in danger. The shrinks and do-gooders now want metal detectors, professional counseling (increasing her business. Hmmm), and a police presense. Calm down folks. The police and school admin response was well balanced and achieved the needed results. "

To Rita wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:27 AM:

" Wouldn't you panic if it was your child in there, and you didn't know what was going on. Obviously you are not a mother of school aged children. Columbine ring any bells???? It happens. "

To: Concerned wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:25 AM:

" What world are you living in? The editor or photographer did not have anything to do with breaking the law. They are doing there job and trying to keep you informed and aware of what is going on. It's not the paper or government that you/we should be concerned with. "

to RITA wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:24 AM:

" Sorry, but anytime you have SIX HANDGUNS on school property, full of teenagers, you have lifes at risk. I don't care if no "intent" was uncovered; tempers flair easily among students, and having a bag full of guns might have been too much of a temptation. Let me tell you, if my son was in that school, I would have considered him to be in danger! "

To: concerned wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:23 AM:

" No need for concern...their actions are the reason they have been labeled and potentially "ruined". Quit trying to re-route the blame to the Pantagraph for doing their job of reporting the news. "

County Mounty wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:11 AM:

" Pontiac is in Livingston County. "

To Concerned wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:59 AM:

" I agree totally that these kids are probably ruined. Unfortunately, they have been charged as adults, and that makes them "fair game" in the eyes of the media. If either one is innocent, it will work out in the end. If not, then that will also come out. I look at it as a way to remind kids that breaking the law can ruin your life, just as being wrongly accused can. My son initiated a discussion about this incident Tuesday night where HE pointed out that kids need to understand that if they follow the rules and stay out of trouble the chances are next to none that they'd get accused of wrongdoing. He also said that he and his friends feel that these kids need to do some serious time if they're found guilty, not only because there were guns involved, but because of what they put a lot of people through. Right is right and wrong is wrong. "

Backwards? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Seems like since more crimes are committed to support illegal drug use/distribution than illegal gun use/distribution, the sentences aren't out of line after all. We had more guns per household 60 to 100 years ago, and didn't have this volume of crime. Guns aren't the cause. That's just an easy target. "

To: Confused wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:50 AM:

" He is a co-conspirator and the weapons could be considered in his constructive possesion. "

Lisa wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:50 AM:

" Yeah well I'd have to comment... geesh lovely Mclean County we reside in! "

not backwards law wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:48 AM:

" the law isn't merely backwards,guns and drugs are both controlled. Drugs more than guns, on a level that any one can buy a gun with the proper identification and what not.. No one can just go to a drug store and buy drugs. Even though the max is 15 yrs there is always a plea deal, he may plead guilty to the lesser and spend his jail time in juvenile facilities until he's 21. They also have to look at if there is a chance for him to be a one time offender, can he be rehabilitated? In my opinion they both need the max sentence to at least show others that these attempts are not taken lightly. We won't lay down and take the threats any longer and that no matter what there is always someone willing to put their life on the line to take care of criminals like them. "

RITA wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:27 AM:

" See, everyone was panicing yesterday for nothing. All the comments about their children's life being in danger and nothing even happened. You people need to relax. "

confused wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:24 AM:

" Can someone explain to me how this Huerta kid is being charged with 13 counts of possession when he NEVER had guns in his possession???? They weren't with him on the school bus . . . clearly he arrived after authorities were notified of guns. It says so in the article. Clearly they weren't in his locker, as they were found in one student's locker. Tell me how they can charge him with 13 counts for something he never did. "

Wendy wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:16 AM:

" totally agree law is backwards - the drug war is a complete overreaction and is doing no good anyway supply and demand, people - let's get busy dealing with the demand "

law is backwards wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:12 AM:

" I kind of agree with you on this point. both are serious charges, but shouldn't the gun charge bring more years for actual serving time? "

Concerned wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:11 AM:

" This is a concern, a 15 and 16 year old have been labeled and ruined because of this paper and this government. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?? Talk about public persecution. Whoever the photographer and editor of this article was should be ashamed of themselves. "

To law is backwards wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:37 AM:

" Put a little more thought into the question you are asking. Alot of times when you read about crimes and read about the testimony of criminals in court it seems to sound like this alot" I am sorry I did so much cocaine or crystal meth or whatever that I didn't realize what I was doing" Have you heard that before. Cocaine makes people stupid. They steal from their parents and even from their kids to buy more. I know of a situation in Bloomington where 2 high school friends argued about a bad coke deal and one shot the other in the head point blank in a car and killed him. It is bad news and that is why it is 15 years!! It ruins peoples lives. "

Agreed, Chicago wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:02 AM:

" Some of these small 'townies' could teach Chicago kids a thing or two....small town security is a thing of the past...WAKE UP PEOPLE! "

agree wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:59 AM:

" I was thinking the exact same thing as I was reading this. "

I agree. wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:45 AM:

" Both are very serious and could endanger the lives of others (not to mention temselves.) It does seem strange that they aren't at least equal in severity. "

Vet from the 60's wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:27 AM:

" Sounds fair to me BOTH are a crime! You are looking at it all wrong. "

Before you blame Chicago wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:23 AM:

" For all the squares that have never left their small town and are ready to blame Chicago... remember the suburbs are not Chicago. Suburbia and the big city are totally different things. "

law is backwards wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:21 AM:

" Unlawful use of a weapon is a Class 3 felony = up to five years in prison. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver = Class 1 felony, up to 15 years in prison. Does anyone else think this is backwards? "

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