A high school in Guelph reopened on Friday after being placed on hold and secure due to a threat involving students and staff made Wednesday evening.
While he didn’t provide specifics about the threat, Guelph Police Chief Gordon Cobey told on Friday, “threats of this nature are scary and difficult for students, staff and their families.”
Early Thursday morning, a message from principal Chad Warren appeared on John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute’s website stating that the school had gone into hold and secure as a safety measure after threats were reported against it.
Later that day, Guelph police along with the Ontario Provincial Police arrested two individuals in connection with the threat. A firearm was also discovered during two searches.
A 64-year-old man and a 17-year-old female from Wellington County faced five counts of uttering threats each. The older individual has additionally been charged with knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm.
LISTEN | Guelph Police Chief Gordon Cobey on threats that shut local high school:
The Morning Edition – K-W3:25Guelph Police Chief Gordon Cobey on threats that shut local high school
A high school in Guelph reopened on Friday after being put under hold and secure due to a threat involving students and staff made Wednesday evening. Guelph Police Chief Gordon Cobey spoke to CBC K-W’s Ieva Lucs about the situation.
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Guelph Police Chief Gordon Cobey insists that the city is “a safe community” following a threat that led to John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute closing its doors Thursday. (Guelph Police)
After the arrests, Cobey affirmed “we live in a safe community.”
“I want our community to know we have excellent close working relationships with our school boards. And together we’re always very, very mindful of the safety of our students,” Cobey continued.
“Our top priority will always be maintaining that safety and the safety of our students, schools and their families. And yesterday I think was an excellent example [of how] we will take the action necessary when threats arise.”
Cobey acknowledged that the timing of these threats is particularly troubling considering Canada recently experienced one of its deadliest school shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B. C., just days before.
Six people lost their lives at Tumbler Ridge including one adult and five children at the school where they were shot. The shooter was later found dead from self-inflicted injuries inside the school.
“The tragic incidents in Tumbler Ridge is something that we’re all thinking about,” Cobey said.
“I think it’s really important as a community, as a country [to acknowledge] our thoughts are with all those impacted by that terrible situation,” he added.
“I think it’s essential for our community to remember if you see something or hear something concerning, tell someone-tell us. When in doubt, call us 24/7, 365 days a year. We’re here to support your safety and we truly want to hear any concerns you might have.”
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie took to X, formerly Twitter, following the arrests expressing gratitude toward police for their “commitment to keep us safe.”
Cobey expressed pride in his officers’ actions stating Thursday’s arrests exemplified “their skills, professionalism and their relationships they’ve maintained with our community and enforcement partners which allowed them to take decisive action swiftly.”
In an email sent out Thursday afternoon addressed to parents, Warren mentioned police would be present at school on Friday “as an added precaution and reassurance for our school community.”
The institution also stated there would be supports available “for any students or staff who may need them.”
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‘We live in a safe community’
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