Man in Custody After Barricading Himself Inside Bartlett Business

A man is in custody after barricading himself inside a business in northwest suburban Bartlett on Thursday morning.

About 6:40 a.m., a 25-year-old contracted security guard at Rana Meal Solutions at 550 S. Spitzer Rd. barricaded himself inside and said he had an explosive device, according to Bartlett police.

Sgt. Geoff Pretkelis said at 12:15 p.m. the suspect, who was unarmed, was in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

Bartlett police are investigating while the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System continues to search the building, police said.

According to police, the Rana plant and nearby buildings were evacuated, and two schools in the area were put on lockdown.

At the request of police, Liberty Elementary School at 1375 W. Bartlett Rd.; and Nature Ridge Elementary at 1899 Westridge Blvd. were placed in “secure building” status until further notice, according to School District U46 officials.

Traffic remains rerouted between West Bartlett and Stearns roads and Brewster Creek Boulevard between Stearns and Mungers roads, police said.