Arrests Made After Threats at Local 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, authorities arrested a 64-year-old man and a 17-year-old female from Wellington County after an investigation guided detectives to a location outside of 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 said in a press release.

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

Both individuals face five counts of uttering threats. The 64-year-old has also been charged with knowing about unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Police have also taken into custody a 31-year-old man from Wellington County for unauthorized possession of a firearm. Investigators claim he isn’t connected to the threats and he was later 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 entered 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 usually occurs when there is potential danger outside the school. All exterior doors are locked, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the building.

Warren acknowledged that this situation may be alarming for families and mentioned that the school would continue collaborating closely with police while providing updates as more information comes in.

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

In an email sent Thursday afternoon, Warren confirmed that school would reopen 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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