Youth charged with weapons offence following school lockdowns
Lethbridge Police have charged a 16-year-old male with possession of a weapon following an incident that prompted lockdowns at four southside schools.
On October 6, police responded to a report of a group of males along the 300 block of 18 Street South, including one who appeared to be carrying a handgun in his waistband. As a precaution, lockdowns were initiated at St. Francis Junior High, Ecole St. Mary Elementary, Catholic Central High School and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.
Through CCTV footage and witness information, officers identified the group and located six teens, who were taken into custody without incident.
Further investigation determined a 16-year-old male was in possession of a black, handgun-style water pistol. Police also searched the students’ lockers and no additional weapons were found.
A 16-year-old Lethbridge male, who cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The youth was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 9.
Police are reminding youth and parents that imitation firearms, airsoft guns, water guns and other realistic-looking weapons should never be brought to school or displayed in public in a manner that could cause alarm. Replica and imitation weapons can be virtually indistinguishable from real firearms, particularly from a distance or in rapidly evolving situations. Reports involving weapons are treated as real until proven otherwise, resulting in a significant police response and potentially placing everyone involved at risk. Students are reminded to make safe choices and immediately report any concerns about weapons.
