UPDATE: Feb. 17
The North Bay Police Service has charged two Young Persons with weapons offences in relation to an incident at West Ferris Secondary School on February 16, 2023.
A Young Person who is charged with:
- One count of Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- One count of Disturbing the Peace
- One count of Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
A Young Person who is charged with:
- One count of Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- One count of Disturbing the Peace
- One count of Theft Under $5,000
In accordance with Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act, the North Bay Police Service cannot release the name or identifying information of the Young Persons.
In the update, city police also discussed online misinformation, including how the threat against Chippewa Secondary School earlier on Thursday was not related to the incident at West Ferris Secondary School.
“Contrary to rumors circulating on social media, there was no stabbing at this location during the time of the incident,” reads the update. “The charges against the accused are the only illegal activity reported at the location at the time. There were no reports of an edged weapon at the location and there were no injuries to staff or students during the entirety of the lockdown and police response. The North Bay Police Service would like to remind the public that in quickly changing situations, it is common for incorrect information to circulate online. Always be skeptical of information you read online, especially when claims are made without supporting evidence.”
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Two young people are in custody after police received a report of a student with a firearm at West Ferris Secondary School on Thursday.
North Bay Police Service officials say they got the call around 3:00 pm, and the school was placed in lockdown.
City police say officers located the two young persons who were taken into custody, and a fake firearm was seized. Police confirm the firearm was stolen earlier in the day.
The service says no physical injuries were reported, and the lockdown was lifted at approximately 4:30 pm.
Police officials thank school officials and the OPP for their assistance, and say they recognize situations like these can be “incredibly stressful for the family and loved ones of staff and students”. They add they appreciate the measured response taken by family and loved ones during this incident in their interactions with police.
