Shooting suspects at Etobicoke high school wore masks to conceal identity: police

Toronto police are investigating after evidence of gunfire was found at an Etobicoke high school on Tuesday.

Officers arrived at Silverthorn Collegiate Institute at approximately 4 p.m. after receiving a report about two masked individuals who were allegedly spotted with a gun.

The school, located near Burnhamthorpe Road and Mill Road, was locked down until 6:45 p.m. while police searched and cleared the premises.

Approximately 120 people were inside the building at the time of the lockdown. Police say 60 students were inside for a basketball game, and another 60 were preparing for an open house event scheduled for that night.

Dozens of parents lined the sidewalk, waiting for their children to leave the school.

“We were cooking for the Grade 8 open house, and then we heard a gunshot,” one student said. “It was really scary,” another student added.

FIREARM DISCHARGE:
Mill Rd. & Burnhamthorpe Rd. area (Silverthorn Collegiate Institute)
3:59 p.m
– Reports of a person w/ a gun inside the school
– School in lockdown
– Police o/s
– Evidence of a firearm discharge located
– No reports of injuries#GO2673285
^vs

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) December 10, 2024

Duty Inspector Saleem Husain told reporters on Tuesday night that police received information about two masked individuals who were allegedly inside the school with a gun. No further description was provided.

“As far as suspect information at this time, we don’t have any information to give out, as it’s early in the investigation,” Husain added.

School principal Mark Varvas also updated the situation in a letter to parents on Tuesday.

“While evidence of a firearm discharge was located in a stairwell, at this point in time, there are no reports of injuries,” Varvas wrote. “Out of an abundance of caution, there will be a police presence at the school tomorrow, and social work staff will be available to support students as needed.”