Three male youths are facing charges after a lockdown at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute.
Police say the students have been charged with possession of imitation weapons dangerous to public peace under Section 88 of the Criminal Code. One additional youth was released unconditionally.
All three accused were released to their parents on a Youth Criminal Justice Act undertaking, with conditions not to attend the high school until their cases are dealt with in court. They are scheduled to appear in youth court at a later date, with RNJ Youth Services involved in the process.
The investigation found the students were in possession of imitation weapons that closely resembled real firearms and were showing them to others inside the school.
One of the items was seized by a school official, while police say another was reported to be inside a classroom. The school was placed in full lockdown as officers responded. Police contained a classroom and located the second imitation weapon in a student’s backpack.
Police are thanking school staff and students for how they handled the situation, noting it was stressful for everyone involved, including parents. Officers returned to the school the following day to debrief with staff and students.
The investigation remains ongoing.
