Charges laid in incident at Smiths Falls and District High School

Charges of possession of imitation weapons dangerous to public peace under Section 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada were laid against 3 male youths who were current students at the SFDCI school. One male youth was released unconditionally. All males were released to their parents on Youth Criminal Justice Act undertaking with conditions to not attend the high school until the matter is dealt with before the courts. They will appear in youth court at a later date. RNJ youth services will be involved in that process.

Investigation revealed the male students had in their possession imitation weapons that looked the same as real firearms and were showing it to other students. One was confiscated by a school official, and information was received another one was with a student in a classroom. The school went into full lockdown. Police contained a classroom and after a search located it in one of the male youths backpack.

The police would like to thank the school officials and especially the students for their handling of the lockdown. We know that it was a very stressful situation for the students, staff and the parents. Police re-attended the school yesterday to de-brief with staff and students.

The investigation is still continuing.

“Section 110 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) prohibits the publication of names and identifying information of young persons involved in the youth justice system, ensuring their privacy and aiding in the reintegration into society.”