The OPP has made an arrest in the string of threats that impacted St. Michael Catholic School in Kemptville, beginning on September 12. The threats happened repeatedly, and in an unusual move, were being called in directly to the OPP in late hours of the night. The threats of violence forced the school to be closed to students and staff over many school days, and in one case, caused the school to go into lockdown with students on site. The last of the anonymous threats was made against the school on October 17.
The OPP reports: “An extensive investigation by members of the Grenville OPP Crime Unit, assisted by the OPP Cyber Investigations Team, OPP Regional Support Team, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Bridgewater, Nova Scotia Police, led to the execution of a search warrant at a home and a school in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia on Friday, October 25, 2024. One person was arrested, and investigators seized electronic devices.”
A 14-year-old male from Bridgewater has been charged with:
- Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm
- Indecent communications
- Mischief (interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property, over $5,000)
- Public mischief
- Unauthorized use of computer (destroy data)
“The identity of the individual is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act,” says the OPP release. “Anyone who shares the name publicly could be subject to criminal charges.”
The young accused individual remained in custody following his arrest, and was scheduled to appear in court by video link on October 29.
The OPP stressed in it’s media release that “public safety is paramount in any threat investigation and such incidents must be treated as serious and legitimate until proven otherwise”. Some parents believed that, on the days when the school was closed, it should have instead remained open, but with locked doors and increased security.
“While charges have been laid, the investigation is continuing, in conjunction with police in multiple jurisdictions, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigations in the United States,” says the OPP. “The OPP also continues to look into potential connections to any similar incidents, including a threat against a school in Iroquois.”
The singular incident involving threats made to “Iroquois area schools” forced the closure of Seaway District High School and Iroquois Public School on October 3, the same day as one of the St. Michael closures. Many undoubtedly believed that these threats were made by the same person, but the recent news from the OPP casts uncertainty on the issue.
If you have any information on any of the recent school threats, contact the Grenville Detachment of the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
