Overview
Police are investigating after two separate threats of violence towards two Kitchener high schools led to full-day closures.
Incident Details
St. Mary’s High School
On Wednesday, police received a call from an unknown person at around 2:40 a.m. The caller threatened to carry out what police are calling “acts of violence” at St. Mary’s High School on Block Line Rd. As a safety precaution, the school was subsequently closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute
Just a day later, on Thursday, police received a similar call at around 1:20 a.m., this time threatening to carry out “acts of violence” at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute on Charles St. East. The school was also closed for the day on Thursday as a safety precaution.
Investigation
Police Response
“There were several pieces of information given by the caller that did cause concern for our investigators, and it does take a lot of resources to look into these types of threats; these investigations can take some time and until we are satisfied that there are no safety concerns for students and staff, the school will remain closed,” said Waterloo Regional Police Spokesperson Cherri Greeno.
Similarities in Threats
Greeno added that in each case, the caller had a “very similar voice, with very similar language,” leading police to believe the two calls were related.
Consequences for Hoax Threats
She also noted that if the threat is a hoax, there will be serious consequences for those involved. “The person responsible will face significant charges that could include public mischief, uttering threats, or other serious criminal charges…we have significant resources dedicated to this investigation, including our General Investigations Unit and Cybercrime Unit.”
School Board Statement
In a statement, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) said, “This decision (to close) was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety and well-being of all those in the CHCI school community. Staff are working in partnership with WRPS to continue their investigation and will provide updates as they become available with the goal of reopening the school safely and as quickly as possible.”
Student Learning
Students learned from home on Thursday.
Reopening Plans
A spokesperson for the Waterloo District Public School Board has confirmed that students will return to class on Friday, as Waterloo Regional Police do not believe there are any safety concerns for students or staff. There will be an increased police presence in the area of the school.
