Youth arrested after report of firearm near school leads to hold and secure

A sixteen-year-old is facing charges after being seen with what appeared to be a firearm in the vicinity of a local school.

On November 28, 2018 the accused youth was seen a short distance from the Katarokwi Learning Centre property. The accused retrieved what appeared to be a handgun that was hidden under some garbage, and concealed it in his waistband. The youth then went down an alleyway with a few other youths. The school was notified and initiated a hold and secure safety procedure and police were called.

The youths fled as several police vehicles responded to the area, according to a press release from Kingston Police. Within two minutes of receiving the call, police apprehended the accused youth on Cowdy Street. A search revealed an airsoft handgun (air guns are capable of shooting plastic or metal pellets) in his waistband. The other males were also located, but released unconditionally.

The accused youth, aged 16, was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.

Kingston Police in cooperation with the Limestone District School Board confirmed the school was safe and the hold and secure was lifted shortly afterwards.