Two arrested following threats to school

A 64-year-old male and a 17-year-old female from Wellington County have been arrested after police learned of threats against a Guelph high school.

On Wednesday evening, information was received regarding threats against staff and students from John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute. Police contacted officials with the Upper Grand District School Board, who decided to close the school Thursday as a precaution.

Investigation by Guelph detectives led to an address outside the City of Guelph. Officers with the Guelph Police Service Tactics and Rescue Unit, assisted by the Ontario Provincial Police, executed two search warrants Thursday morning. A firearm was located during the searches.

As a result of the investigation, the pair are jointly charged with five counts of uttering threats. The male is also charged with knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm. Both were held for bail hearings.

During the investigation, a 31-year-old Wellington County male was also arrested for unauthorized possession of a firearm. He is not alleged to have been involved in the threats and was released with an upcoming court date.

"Our top priority will always be the safety of our citizens. I would like to thank our Guelph Police Service members, along with our Ontario Provincial Police and Upper Grand District School Board partners, for the excellent work done to address this matter in a very timely and effective way," said Guelph Police Service Chief Gord Cobey. "This situation demonstrates the incredible work our members, and police throughout our province, do each and every day.

“We recognize how incidents of this nature can be difficult for students, staff, and families,” added Cobey. “We continue to work closely with our community partners to ensure we are constantly improving the support we provide and ensuring the safety of our students, schools, and community.”