Three Lambton Kent District School Board schools were placed under a hold and secure Wednesday out of an abundance of caution while Chatham-Kent police investigated a report involving an individual who may have been in possession of a weapon in the vicinity of some schools in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent police are continuing to investigate a report that a possible non-student brandished what was described as a potential firearm outside the property of Chatham-Kent Secondary School, prompting multiple schools to go into lockdown.
As part of the investigation, police located a young offender male matching the description provided to officers. An airsoft replica was also located.
The investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The schools that had been placed into lockdown as a precaution have since reopened.
Following the investigation, the board said the hold and secure was lifted and there was no direct threat to the school throughout the incident, with the measure implemented as a precaution to support the safety and well-being of students and staff while police conducted their investigation.
“We would like to thank the Chatham-Kent Police Service for their swift response and assistance in resolving the situation,” the board said in a statement. “We also appreciate the cooperation of our students, staff, and families during this precautionary measure.”
Police say there is currently no information indicating an immediate threat to the school or surrounding community.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police at 519-436-6600.
