BRONZEVILLE — Several people are being questioned as "persons of interest" in the theft of iPads and laptop computers from a Bronzeville school, police said Monday.
A Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman said that some of the equipment, stolen late last week, has been recovered.
The new Apple iPads and laptop computers were stolen from Drake Elementary School, a "welcoming school" that moved into the old Williams Elementary building located at 2710 S. Dearborn at the start of this school year.
Someone broke into the school, located in the Dearborn Homes, overnight Thursday, police said.
Apple iPads and Macbook laptops were stolen sometime between 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 29 and 2:35 a.m. on Aug. 30, said Officer Daniel O'Brien, a Chicago Police Department spokesman.
The number and value of computers and iPads stolen were not available, police said Monday.
"A statement made by an offender as part of the ongoing investigation would include specifics only known by the individual who committed the crime," a police statement said.
Police also would not discuss any details about the people they are questioning in the theft.
By Monday morning some of the stolen equipment had been recovered, CPS spokeswoman Keiana Barrett said. The equipment has tracking technology and authorities are checking camera footage for leads.
Drake used to be located at 2722 S. Martin Luther King Drive.
When 13-year-old Taveyon Carter showed up to his technology class at Drake Friday morning, he was told he would be getting an iPad that would help him with reading and other subjects. But his excitement was short-lived.
Later that day, the boy found out that the iPads had been stolen from the school, his mother said.
"It's ridiculous," Andrea Carter, 33, said Sunday. "Why would you steal from babies? They're trying to learn and get an education. And these kids were actually excited about it."
Police said the iPads and laptops had gray leather covers and are asking anyone with information to call (312) 747-8380.
