A lockdown at Grand River Collegiate Institute in Kitchener ended Monday afternoon after police determined that a reported gun threat inside the school was likely a false report intended to trigger a large emergency response.
The incident began around 9:20 a.m., when Waterloo Regional Police received a report claiming an armed individual was inside the high school. Officers quickly responded and conducted a thorough search of the building while students and staff remained under lockdown.
Police said no suspect was located during the search.
Nearby Schools Placed Under Precautionary Security Measures
As the investigation unfolded, several nearby schools were placed under hold-and-secure protocols as a precaution. These included Chicopee Hills Public School, Crestview Public School, Lackner Woods Public School, Stanley Park Public School, Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School, and St. Daniel’s Elementary School.
Hold-and-secure measures typically allow schools to continue normal activities inside while restricting entry and exit to ensure safety during nearby incidents.
Authorities later concluded that the original report was likely a swatting call, a false emergency report designed to trigger a significant police response.
Police say swatting incidents often involve fabricated reports of violent threats, such as shootings or attacks, which require an immediate and large-scale emergency response from law enforcement and paramedics.
Investigators noted that such calls can divert critical resources and potentially delay responses to real emergencies.
Lockdown Lifted After Police Confirm No Threat
According to the Waterloo Region District School Board, the lockdown and precautionary measures were lifted at 12:20 p.m. once police confirmed there was no ongoing threat.
School officials said the decision to resume normal operations came only after police assured them it was safe for students and staff to return to regular activities.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the call.
Police say individuals responsible for swatting incidents may face serious criminal charges, including public mischief or uttering threats.
Anyone with information related to the incident has been asked to contact Waterloo Regional Police or Crime Stoppers.
Source: CTV News Kitchener
Original reporting by Jennifer K. Baker.
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