Police search for suspect in shooting in front of Winston Churchill Collegiate
Posted March 24, 2011 6:51 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – A lockdown at a Scarborough high school has been lifted following a shooting over the lunch hour, Thursday, while investigators continue to search for the suspect.
An argument broke out between a young man and two other people sitting in a silver minivan, parked in a curved driveway right in front of Winston Churchill Collegiate, only about 10 metres away from the school’s front doors.
The suspect then pulled out a gun and allegedly fired several shots inside the van, piercing the passenger side front door.
The school was immediately put under lockdown which lasted for three hours while police set up a command post.
Investigators told 680News they believe the gunman is a 16 year old student at the high school. Police searched each classroom in the school, after witnesses told officers the armed suspect may have run inside.
No injuries were reported in the incident, but parents heard the news and rushed to the scene.
“I don’t feel very comfortable, you know. It’s sad, it’s sad that this will go on at any school,” said Susan, whose 17 year old son attends the high school. “They’re here to learn, not to get hurt.”
Nick, the father of two Winston Churchill Collegiate students – a 17 year old son and 14 year old daughter – left work immediately and rushed to the scene.
He told 680News he was “very scared. Worried that my kids, are they involved in this? Are they hurt? Are they okay? But my wife spoke to both of them via phone, so I knew they were alright. I’m happy that they are.”
Amanda, a 19 year old student in grade 12, said although she was scared, anger about the incident overtook her fear.
“It’s ridiculous that children – teenagers nowadays feel that guns are the solution to everything. It’s not right. It’s not the society we should live in. Everybody should be as one.”
Winston Churchill Collegiate is located on Lawrence Ave. E., east of Kennedy Road.
