This past week, Manitoba RCMP have responded to four incidents of threats to schools across the province.
On September 18, 2019, Opaskwayak Cree Nation RCMP responded to a threat written on a bathroom wall at Joe A. Ross School. RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to call police at 204-627-6244.
That same day, Steinbach RCMP received multiple reports that a student had brought a pellet gun to school and had threatened another student at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. The suspect, a 15-year-old male from Steinbach, was later arrested that day, and is facing charges of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, uttering threats and assault.
On September 19, 2019, Russell RCMP responded to a threat at Major Pratt School in Russell. A threat was posted to social media, which led to the arrest of a 13-year-old female student. She is facing a charge of uttering threats.
Also on September 19, 2019, Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report that a student had brought a gun to Portage Collegiate Institute. A short time later, a 16-year-old female turned herself in, along with a pellet gun. She is facing charges of carrying a concealed weapon and possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose.
“This is an important reminder that these types of incidents are taken very seriously by the RCMP,” said Cpl. Julie Courchaine with the Manitoba RCMP. “Uttering threats or bringing weapons of any sort to school can lead to criminal charges and can impact a student for the rest of their life. We continue to ask that anybody that sees or hears a threat to report it immediately to a trusted adult, teacher or police officer.”
