The Chatham-Kent Police Service was made aware of a photo that was circulating on social media referencing a possible school shooting this Friday.
Chatham-Kent Police Service officials said in a press release on Wednesday morning they believed the photo originated outside of Chatham-Kent and police authorities in a nearby jurisdiction were investigating.
“As with any threat to public safety, we are taking this photo very seriously,” stated Const. Renee Cowell.
“I can assure everyone that we are working very diligently with school officials to ensure the safety and security of all students and teachers here in Chatham-Kent. Established protocols and best practices will be followed to keep our community safe.”
Cowell added: “We are asking everyone to remain vigilant at this time. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call police immediately.”
Later in the day on Wednesday, an arrest has been made by Waterloo Regional Police Service in connection with the school threat.
Here is the information from the Waterloo police: “On April 2, 2018, Waterloo Regional Police received a report from the principal of Jacob Hespeler Secondary School after students observed threatening graffiti at a storage unit near the football field. The graffiti stated [quote]JHSS – school shooting April 6th.[quote] The graffiti was shared on social media and concerned parents contacted the Waterloo Regional Police Service regarding the threat. On April 3, 2018, a young person was arrested by Waterloo Regional Police in connection with the threat and charged with Mischief under $5,000 and Uttering Threats to Cause Bodily Harm or Death. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 ext. 2380 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.”
