Police Take Threat At Oakville School Seriously

Halton Police aren’t taking any chances in their search for a suspect after a threatening message was left in a bathroom stall at an Oakville secondary school.

It’s unclear whether the threat at Iroquois Ridge High School is a prank or not, but the missive suggested a gunman would open fire at the facility on Friday. The ominous words were reportedly written on a toilet paper dispenser in one of the boy’s bathrooms.

Officers were at the school, located on Glenashton Drive near Upper Middle Road and 8th Line, taking fingerprints from the stall.

There’s no word on whether authorities have any suspects in mind, but they say they’re taking the threat seriously given previous school shootings at Montreal’s Dawson College and Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.

“This school is no less safe (today) than it was yesterday,” explained Staff Sgt. Gavin Hayes of Halton Police. “We have to take every threat seriously, consider the context and where it’s occurred.”

Some students seem unfazed. “Just a joke,” comments one. “Somebody just wrote something.”

“My mum’s freaking out,” adds another. “She didn’t want me going to school today.”

But one seems to sum up the feelings of everyone. “We shouldn’t have to come to school and be worried about getting shot.”

Officials haven’t announced any disruption to classes, although some parents are reportedly considering taking their children out until the threat passes.

Bob Hagley says it’s business as usual for his kids.

“I don’t think you want to give these people more power by staying away from school,” he said. “The police will be here, so we feel secure enough.”

“We’ll maybe play it by ear, see what goes on today,” added another parent, Tony Lee.

But a few won’t be there for the final day of the school week.

“Definitely stay at home on Friday,” a male student assures. “Better safe than sorry, right?”

Authorities are urging whoever’s responsible to come forward, saying they won’t face more than a mischief charge.

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