Hold and secure lifted at Weston C.I. after kids threatened to shoot at school
Posted April 19, 2023 12:42 pm.
Last Updated April 19, 2023 5:18 pm.
A hold and secure has been lifted at a Toronto high school after threats were made “by a group of kids” to shoot up Weston Collegiate Institute.
Officers attended Weston C.I. after receiving reports that credible threats were made toward the school around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Police say a group of kids threatened to shoot at the school. The school was placed in a hold and secure as a precaution but was lifted later in the afternoon.
No injuries have been reported, and police said the investigation is ongoing.
School principals address parents, guardians in letter
Weston C.I. acting principals Ellen Austrom and Paul Edwards issued a letter to parents and guardians, explaining that the hold and secure was advised by responding officers and in place all day to protect students.
“We take any threat against the school, students or staff very seriously and wanted to take every precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff,” the acting principals wrote.
“Toronto Police were immediately contacted and arrived to investigate.”
A heavy police presence is expected at the school on Thursday.
The letter states that social work staff will be made available to students, with Austrom and Edwards encouraging parents, guardians and students to report suspicious activity or strangers to school staff.
“This has been a challenging week for the Weston C.I. community, but please know that we are taking every precaution possible to keep students and staff safe.”
With files from Michael Ranger of CityNews
