Youth arrested for mischief after incident at Waterloo high school

Police cruisers are seen outside Waterloo Collegiate Institute on Feb. 21, 2024. (Chris Thomson/CTV Kitchener)

Waterloo regional police say they’ve arrested a young person for public mischief after reports that someone was planning to attend a Waterloo high school with a weapon.

Waterloo regional police responded to Waterloo Collegiate Institute around 10:35 a.m. Wednesday. The school was placed on hold and secure while officers investigated.

Grade 12 student Ryan Wallage says things were calm inside his classroom.

“About an hour into it, they pulled the students from the portables inside, a bit later then they were able to release us, [I’m] still not sure what happened,” Wallage said. “Most of us just kind of played cards in the classroom, hung out, watched some videos.”

At least three cruisers could be seen outside the school.

In an update at 12:37 p.m., police said one youth had been arrested for public mischief and there was no concern for public safety.

Asked if the weapons threat was false, WRPS Const. Brad Hickey said the investigation is ongoing and more details will be provided when available.