Rockport teenager arrested after firearm was found in vehicle at school

PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — A Rockport teenager has been arrested after a firearm was found in his vehicle at school.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Department received a report at 10:55 a.m. Thursday, May 18 from a school administrator at Pleasant Hill CUSD No. 3 that a high school student possibly brought a firearm to school. The administrator said the firearm was in the suspect’s vehicle.  Several students also alerted school officials about comments made on a social media platform. 

Pleasant Hill CUSD No. 3 staff monitored the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle.  

The Pike County Sheriff’s Department, Pleasant Hill Police Department, Illinois State Police, Illinois Conservation Police, and the Pittsfield Police Department all responded and assisted with the investigation.

After a search of the suspect’s vehicle, a loaded handgun, ammunition, alcohol, cannabis and homemade body armor were located and seized by law enforcement.  

Arrested as a result of the investigation is Zane A. Fesler, 18, of Rockport on the following charges:

• Unlawful use of weapon,
• Unlawful possession of a firearm without a FOID card,
• Unlawful possession of firearms ammunition without a FOID card,
• Unlawful possession of alcohol by a minor, 

Chief Deputy Zack Orr said the investigation is in the early stages. Law enforcement officials are still conducting interviews and following leads. As of Thursday, no known direct threats were made to any school, students or school personnel regarding this incident.