Police in Yellowknife say a 13-year-old boy is in custody after a photo published online appeared to show them “in a home with a firearm.”
An imitation gun was also seized, RCMP stated in a Tuesday news release.
“At approximately 9:55am Yellowknife RCMP were advised by staff at École St. Patrick High School that a community member had informed them of the photo, which featured a student enrolled at the school,” police stated.
“This student was not in attendance at the school however the school entered a ‘hold-and-secure’ state as a precautionary measure while an investigation took place.
“The suspect was located at their residence shortly after and taken into custody without incident.”
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In a notice the same afternoon, École St. Patrick High School said it had implemented a hold-and-secure protocol where exterior doors were locked while students and staff remained inside the building.
Principal Kathleen Finnigan noted that there was “no direct threat” to the school and the measure was taken as a precaution.
“In keeping with our established safety procedures, specific staff acted promptly and calmly to ensure the continued safety of our students,” she wrote.
Finnigan said the protocol was lifted quickly upon receiving information from the RCMP.
“We are grateful for the calm and cooperative response of our students and staff,” she said. “The safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care remains our highest priority. We continue to work closely with our partners to ensure our schools remain safe and welcoming places of learning.”
