Soft lockdown ordered at Lane Tech after unknown object found at school

A report of a 'unknown object' prompted police and firefighters to Lane Tech College Prep Friday afternoon on the Northwest Side.

At 1:25 p.m. firefighters were called to the school, 2501 W. Addison St., for a call about an 'unknown object,' said Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Merritt. A Level 1 hazardous materials call for the object was "secured" at 1:44 p.m., he added.

Merritt said he didn't know why the object was suspicious.

Chicago police had no further details immediately.

According to police radio transmissions, the call happened during sixth period, a "soft lockdown" was put in place, and some of the students were moved to another building.

A Chicago police officer on the scene reported to an OEMC dispatcher they were detaining someone after a backpack was found in the men's washroom on the second floor of the school.

“I have him in my custody,’’ the officer told the dispatcher. “There’s a backpack…I’ve not heard any noises or sounds from the backpack.”

A Chicago Public Schools representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.