SMITHS FALLS — Three male youths are facing charges after imitation firearms sparked a lockdown at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute on April 7.
Smiths Falls police say the students, all currently enrolled at the school, have been charged with possession of an imitation weapon dangerous to public peace under Section 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
One youth was released unconditionally. The others were released to their parents on Youth Criminal Justice Act undertakings with conditions that they not attend the high school until their matters are dealt with before the courts. All are scheduled to appear in youth court at a later date, with RNJ Youth Services expected to be involved.
Police say the investigation found the SFDCI students charged were in possession of imitation weapons that closely resembled real firearms and had been showing them to other students.
One of the items was confiscated by a school official. Information later indicated a second imitation weapon was in a classroom, prompting the school to enter a full lockdown.
Officers contained the classroom and, following a search, located the second item in a student’s backpack.
Police thanked school staff and students for their response during the lockdown, calling it a stressful situation for those involved. Officers returned to the school the following day to debrief with staff and students.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the youths cannot be published.
SOURCE: Smiths Falls Police Service.
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