ALEXIS, Illinois — Content warning: This story contains sensitive topics surrounding suicide. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, 24/7 help is available by texting or calling 988.
An elementary school in Alexis, Illinois was placed on a brief lockdown Monday morning, according to Warren County Sheriff Martin Edwards.
United North Elementary School, which sits near the border of Warren and Mercer counties in the Village of Alexis, was on lockdown from about 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 26, according to Edwards.
The sheriff said it's not believed the school was ever in any danger and the lockdown was a precaution while officials responded to an incident several blocks away. Deputies responded to a home around 6:30 a.m. for a person who officials said was suicidal and had a firearm. According to the sheriff, officials made contact with the individual and after some time, they surrendered their firearm and were taken to a local hospital for evaluation. No injuries were reported.
The Mercer County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police and Alexis Ambulance assisted with the response.
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, for 24/7 free and confidential support. You can also chat with a professional online by clicking here.