'Not a joke': school threats, replica firearms prompt warning from York Regional Police

'Following investigation, none of the reports were found to be legitimate in the sense that there was no intention to actually carry out the threats, however, they remain deeply concerning to the police and the community'

Yorkregion.com
June 7, 2022
Heidi Riedner

York Regional Police is issuing a public warning in response to several threats to area schools in recent weeks, just days after a mass shooting took place at a Texas school.

"When a tragic incident occurs, inside or outside of Canada, we often see a ripple effect occurring in our own community," Const. Laura Nicolle said.

Aurora High School and nearby Wellington Public School were put on hold and secure May 30 after a video surfaced on social media containing alleged threats by a teen while holding what appeared to be a gun.

Students at Alexander Mackenzie High School in Richmond Hill were asked to stay home and take classes online as a precautionary measure due to an ongoing police investigation related to a threat on June 3.

On the same day, parents of students at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Elementary School in Vaughan received an email from the school, notifying that a threat was made on social media against the school.

"Following investigation, none of the reports were found to be legitimate, in the sense that there was no intention to actually carry out the threats, however, they remain deeply concerning to the police and the community," Nicolle said.

The incidents occurred on the heels of a mass shooting at a school in Texas, taking the lives of 19 young children and two teachers May 24.

On May 26, Toronto Police fatally shot a man who was seen carrying what turned out to be a replica firearm near three schools in the Scarborough area.

While students may think they are a "joke", Nicolle said the threats posted to social media result in high levels of fear in our community, the wasting of significant police resources and can result in very serious charges being laid against a suspect, regardless of their age.

When police respond to any call involving a firearm or a threat to a school, it is treated as legitimate until an investigation can determine otherwise, she added.

In addition, those damaging property or injuring a person or animal by discharging an air gun could be subject to criminal charges, in addition to civil liability.

In light of incidents involving replica or air guns, police remind the public that replica firearms, air guns, gel guns or toy guns used in the commission of another offence are considered legitimate weapons and those responsible will face significant criminal charges.

Parents are also being advised that school resource officers and all other police-related programs have been paused at both school boards and officers are not on site unless they are called for an incident.

As a result, it is crucial that students, staff or other citizens report any potential threats immediately so that officers can respond.

"York Regional Police trains consistently to respond to these types of calls and the safety of our children is our highest priority," Nicolle said.

To report a possible threat involving a school or an emergency related to firearms, call 911. Call 1-866-876-5423, ext.7008 for non-emergencies. You can also share information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.