Police: Youth did not make threats towards LaSalle Secondary School

Following the hold and secure that was initiated at LaSalle Secondary on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, police say the youth that was brought in for questioning did not make threats towards the high school.

“There [were] allegations that this youth made a threat, but the investigation revealed he did not,” said Const. Cameron Mack, media relations officer for Kingston Police.
“So [it was] not a false alarm – As the school and police, we were responding to alleged threats.”

Following a report by school staff, Kingston Police responded to the school at approximately 8:40 a.m. that day due to a potential threat. The school initiated a hold and secure procedure following its established protocol at approximately 8:45 a.m. as officers were arriving on the scene.

During a hold and secure, all exterior doors of a school are locked due to a potential emergency situation in close proximity. Students and staff were safe inside LaSalle Secondary and classes proceeded as normal, according to a press release from Kingston Police.

Police conducted an extensive search of the area and located a youth who was believed to be involved the potential threat to the school. Despite earlier reports from police indicating there was no arrest at the time, the youth was in fact arrested and transported to Kingston Police Headquarters, police now say. After police determined there was no immediate threat to students or staff, the hold and secure was lifted at 9:35 a.m.

The youth, who was not on school property when he was located, was cooperative, police said. The youth’s home was searched and detectives conducted several interviews, and police determined the youth did not make any threats. He has been released unconditionally.

Kingston Police would like the public to know that, although initial reports indicated the possibility of weapons being involved in the incident, that was not the case.

“It is important to know that firearms were never involved, nor was there any threat of an ‘active shooter’ as was circulated by some members of the community and on social media,” the press release reads.
“The Limestone District School Board and Kingston Police take all potential threats seriously and will respond accordingly. Kingston Police and the School Board will continue to work together to ensure the safety and security of our school communities.”