UPDATE: Youth charged
The Thunder Bay Police Service has arrested a 14-year-old male in connection with a social media post that appeared to be a threat targeting Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute.
Officers were dispatched to the school at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9 after several students reported seeing a disturbing post on social media.
The post featured a photograph of what appeared to be a firearm. The caption attached spoke to an alleged threat against the high school.
Westgate was placed on a hold and secure as a result of the threat. Other neighbouring schools were also placed on a hold and secure as a precaution.
The hold and secures have since been lifted.
The 14-year-old is being charged with Uttering Threats and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, Sept. 10.
This is the second incident this school year in which social media posts have led people to believe a school is being threatened with violence.
The Thunder Bay Police Service would like to encourage parents to have a conversation with their children about using social media responsibly. Vague posts, jokes and pranks can easily be taken out of context and cause serious harm.
Meanwhile, social media posts made with criminal intentions will be investigated by the Thunder Bay Police Service and charges will be laid.
UPDATE: Westgate social media threat investigation
School boards have lifted hold and secures in relation to this incident.
For information and updates regarding the status of schools please visit the school boards’ social media accounts or websites:
• Lakehead Public Schools https://twitter.com/LakeheadSchools
• Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board https://twitter.com/tbc_schools
• Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales https://www.facebook.com/csdcab
The investigation is ongoing and the media will be provided with further updates.
Previous media release follows
The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an alleged threat involving Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute.
Officers were dispatched to the school at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9 after several students reported seeing a disturbing post on social media.
As a result the police are now on scene and investigating. Lakehead Public Schools has placed Westgate under a hold and secure. The public school board and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board have placed a number of other schools on hold and secures as a precaution.
The media will be provided with further updates.
For information and updates regarding the status of school please visit the school boards’ social media accounts or websites:
• Lakehead Public Schools https://twitter.com/LakeheadSchools
• Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board https://twitter.com/tbc_schools
• Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales https://www.facebook.com/csdcab