Two Arrested After Threats to Guelph High School

Police in Guelph have charged two individuals following threats that led John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute to enter a hold and secure on Thursday.

According to a statement from the police, they arrested a 64-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl from Wellington County after detectives traced the situation to an address outside Guelph.

“Officers with the Guelph Police Service Tactics and Rescue Unit, assisted by the Ontario Provincial Police, executed two search warrants Thursday morning. A firearm was located during the searches,” Guelph police mentioned in a press release.

Authorities confirmed “there is no further threat to the school or community.”

Both individuals face five counts of making threats. The older man also faces charges related to unauthorized possession of a firearm.

A 31-year-old man from Wellington County was also arrested for unauthorized possession of a firearm, but investigators say he had no connection to the threats and he was released with an upcoming court date.

Thursday’s hold and secure

Early Thursday morning, principal Chad Warren posted on the school’s website that they were placed in hold and secure as a precautionary measure.

This has since been lifted, but students will stay home and switch to remote learning for the rest of the day.

A hold and secure typically occurs when there’s a potential threat outside the school. Exterior doors are locked, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the building.

Warren recognized that this might be worrying for families and stated that the school will keep cooperating with police while providing updates as more information comes out.

“The safety and well-being of students and staff remains our top priority,” he said.

In an email sent Thursday afternoon, Warren announced that school would be open on Friday.

“Supports and resources will be available at the school for any students or staff who may need them,” Warren wrote.

“This includes members of our school support team, and there will also be an increased police presence as an added precaution and to provide reassurance to our school community.”

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