CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – A report of a knife-wielding person in Chicago’s northwest suburbs set off a police search and school safety alerts Thursday — but the supposed weapon turned out to be a pencil.

What we know:

Crystal Lake police said they were called to Berkshire Drive and North Hampton Drive on Thursday morning after a resident reported seeing someone walking eastbound who appeared to be carrying a knife.

As a precaution, authorities alerted nearby schools while officers searched the area. 

Police soon located the individual, only to find the reported “knife” was actually a pencil.

Investigators said there is no threat to the public.

What’s next:

The incident remains under investigation. 

Police ask anyone with information to call 815-356-3620 or send an anonymous tip by texting “CLPDTIP” and the information to 847411.