Judge releases man accused of threatening to shoot several children at a Crystal Lake high school

A judge released a man from jail after he was arrested for threatening to shoot several children riding bicycles in front of Crystal Lake South High School on Thursday.

Aaron E. Pittner, 29, of Crystal Lake, was charged with communicating a threat against a school building or persons, a Class 4 felony.

A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County District Court alleges that Pittner made a threat around 6:35 p.m. on Thursday.

The complaint states that Pittner threatened about six juveniles, saying he would shoot them while they were on school grounds at Crystal Lake South High School, 1200 South McHenry Avenue.

McHenry County Assistant District Attorney Steve Gregorowicz said Pittner threatened 12-year-old children who were riding their bikes on school grounds, the Northwest Herald reported.

Pittner stated that he was armed with a weapon, Gregorowicz said.

Pittner was reported homeless and his last known residence was a house about a half-mile east of the school, court records show.

Officers arrested Pittner and booked him into the McHenry County Jail Thursday evening.

Shannon Podzimek, director of communications and public relations for Community High School District 155, said the school district was notified of the incident by Crystal Lake police on Thursday evening.

Podzimek said there is no danger to the community. “We continue to work closely with the Crystal Lake Police Department to ensure the safety of our students, staff and community.”

In June 2022, Pittner was sentenced to four years in prison for attacking and injuring another man in McHenry.

Court records show that the McHenry County District Attorney's Office filed a motion to detain Pittner pending trial.

McHenry County Judge Carl Metz denied the motion and released Pittner after a detention hearing on Friday.

The judge ordered Pittner not to leave the state, not to possess dangerous weapons, and not to have contact with Crystal Lake South High School or minors.

He is scheduled to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on September 19.