Crime
18-year-old Esmeralda Vargas accused of threatening to ‘shoot-up’ North Elementary School in Des Plaines
The post also reportedly referenced admiration for the Uvalde school shooter, which raised significant alarm.
Des Plaines, IL – An 18-year-old woman from Des Plaines is facing felony charges after allegedly posting a TikTok video threatening a shooting at her former elementary school.
Esmeralda Vargas was charged with disorderly conduct after authorities were alerted to the threat by the SS-ARS Crisis Center, an organization that tracks tips regarding potential school shooters.
According to police, Vargas posted a TikTok video on September 9 in which she threatened to “shoot up” North Elementary School, the school she once attended.
The post also reportedly referenced admiration for the Uvalde school shooter, which raised significant alarm.
Detectives swiftly acted on the tip, contacting TikTok to trace the origin of the video. With information provided by the platform, authorities located Vargas at her residence in the 1400 block of East Willow Avenue.
Law enforcement officers, with the cooperation of Vargas’ parents, conducted a search of the home.
No firearms were found during the search, but Vargas was subsequently banned from all District 62 properties.
A search warrant served to TikTok yielded further evidence corroborating the threat and its contents.
The investigation revealed the explicit mention of North Elementary School in the threat.
Vargas voluntarily turned herself in to police on Monday. She was officially charged with disorderly conduct, a felony under Illinois law.
The incident underscores the seriousness with which authorities address potential threats to schools.
The Des Plaines Police Department thanked the SS-ARS Crisis Center and TikTok for their cooperation in resolving the matter swiftly.
School officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff, emphasizing the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or threats. The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
33-year-old Shawn Egner killed in Hamilton shooting
The other individual involved remained at the scene and is currently cooperating with detectives.
HAMILTON, OH — The Hamilton Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning, leaving 33-year-old Shawn Egner dead.
Police responded to reports of shots fired around 5:45 a.m. in the 1100 block of Clovernook Drive, located off Southern Hills Lane near Hamilton Cleves Pike Road (Ohio 128).
Upon arrival, officers discovered Egner suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to initial emergency communications, Egner was allegedly shot during an altercation involving two adults.
The other individual involved remained at the scene and is currently cooperating with detectives.
Police initially reported that the suspect may have fled in a purple Honda Civic, but further investigation has clarified that no additional suspects are being sought at this time.
Hamilton Police Spokesman Sgt. Brian Ungerbuehler stated that while detectives are interviewing the person involved in the altercation, no charges have been filed.
The decision regarding potential charges will be made in consultation with the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation progresses.
Officers blocked off Southern Hills Lane at Hamilton Cleves Pike Road for several hours to process the scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.
The motive behind the altercation that led to Egner’s death remains under investigation, and police have not released further details about what may have caused the confrontation.
“This investigation is still in its early stages,” said Sgt. Ungerbuehler. “We are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Ruhl at 513-868-5811, ext. 1271. Tips can remain anonymous.
The Hamilton Police Department will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.