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The North Bay Police Service has charged two Young Persons with weapons offences in relation to the incident at West Ferris Secondary School on Thursday, February 16, according to a media release.
NBPS says, "Contrary to rumours circulating on social media, there was no stabbing at this location during the time of the incident. The charges against the accused are the only illegal activity reported at the location at the time. There were no reports of an edged weapon at the location and there were no injuries to staff or students during the entirety of the lockdown and police response.
"The North Bay Police Service would like to remind the public that in quickly changing situations, it is common for incorrect information to circulate online. Always be skeptical of information you read online, especially when claims are made without supporting evidence."
The accused in this matter are:
A Young Person who is charged with:
- One count of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- One count of disturbing the peace
- One count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
A Young Person who is charged with:
- One count of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- One count of disturbing the peace
- One count of theft under $5,000
In accordance with Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act, the North Bay Police Service cannot release the names or identifying information of the Young Persons.
At approximately 3 p.m. on February 16, members of the North Bay Police Service received a report of a student with a firearm at West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School. The school was placed on lockdown and members of the North Bay Police Service Patrol and Emergency Response Team responded.
Police located two Young Persons who were taken into custody. A fake firearm was seized. Police later confirmed that one of the accused had stolen the fake firearm earlier the same day. No physical injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The lockdown was lifted at approximately 4:30 p.m.
See: VIDEO: Police emerge from West Ferris lockdown situation
Both accused were released on Undertakings to their parents/guardians.
"Earlier on the same day, the North Bay Police Service released information about social media posts circulating online that were believed to involve a threat against Chippewa Intermediate and Secondary School," the release continues. "These posts were investigated in collaboration with our policing partners and found to have originated from southern Ontario and were in reference to a school in southern Ontario. The local police service of the community from which the posts originated was aware of the posts and investigated. These posts were not related to the incident that occurred at West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School."
