'Leaves you scared and helpless': Guelph parent concerned by online threats determined not credible by police
The Guelph Police Service says it has investigated online threats targeting local school communities and does not believe them to be credible.
In a media release Thursday morning, police said on Wednesday evening, they heard from many residents about social media posts “apparently aimed at local students.”
Police said the posts included a photo of firearms.
The photo has been determined to be a stock photo from the internet and does not depict firearms in anyone’s possession locally, according to police.
Earlier this week, police said they were involved in an investigation of similar online threats. Police said a youth was identified as being responsible for those posts and he has been spoken to by officers.
“He has been determined not to represent a danger to the public,” police said.
After thorough investigation, police believe the threatening posts circulating on social media on Wednesday night are related to the earlier investigation.
“As such, they also do not represent a credible threat to public safety,” police said.
Police said the current investigation is ongoing with cooperation of local school boards.
“Should further information come to light which suggests a risk to the community, the public and school boards will be notified,” police said.
Guelph police spokesperson Scott Tracey said dozens of people called their communication centre expressing concern.
Tracey said in this instance, the teen believed to be responsible for the posts on Monday, was diverted to a remedial program instead of being charged due to his age and lack of prior record.
Police said the investigation is what led them to believe the Wednesday posts did not present a danger to the public.
“Sort of find out what the motivation was. Whether they have access to weapons. Why they did it. That kind of thing,” Tracey told CTV News.
SCHOOL BOARD RESPONDS
According to a message posted on the website of the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), police officers will be making increased visits to local high schools on Thursday.
The school board said they understand how concerning these situations are for families.
“Please know that we take every incident of threats such as this very seriously and work with police to investigate each one thoroughly to bring those responsible to account,” the message said.
The same message was posted on the Wellington Catholic District School Board’s website.
Brent McDonald, the executive superintendent of school operations with the UGDSB, urged students to contact an adult or trusted official immediately if they spot concerning social media posts.
“So that we can respond appropriately and not cause undo panic, but really look into how concerning a threat may or may not be,” McDonald said.
CONCERN GROWS WITH PARENTS
Guelph mother of four, Kristie Angst, said her five and seven year old stayed home on Thursday out of an abundance of caution.
“You’d never forgive yourself. If something happened,” she said. ““We just had a fun day. Got our mind off things.”
Angst said waking up to the email from the public school board was alarming.
“[It] leaves you scared and helpless,” Angst said.
The UGDSB said there are online learning platforms available for those who choose remote learning during this time.
.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.