Toronto police say a person of interest is in custody following a threat made to Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School in the city’s Leslieville neighbourhood on Thursday.
The unspecified threat forced the school into a hold and secure that remains in place on Friday. The Toronto District School Board said the security protocol has been enacted as a precaution.
“In consultation with Toronto police, we have the hold and secure in place for the second day,” TDSB spokesperson Shari Schwartz-Maltz told reporters at the school.
“That’s a consultation that goes on between the board, the school and the police. They felt that it was important to maintain it today to make sure the kids are safe.”
Toronto police said there is no immediate concern for the safety of students and staff.
Authorities said officers conducted a thorough search of the school on Thursday but nothing suspicious was located.
Police said the person of interest faces domestic related charges that are unrelated to the threat at the school.
A police spokesperson told Global News the individual does not attend the school and their age has not been released.
“All we know is that there was an unspecified threat at the school,” Schwartz-Maltz said. “The minute we received that threat, 911 was called. Police have been on it ever since. We’re following their lead. Their investigation continues.”
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Several police cruisers were parked in front of the school Friday morning and they are expected to remain at the location for the remainder of the day.
Some parents who brought their children to school said they are glad all the necessary precautions are being taken with regards to student safety.
“I’m happy that they’re making the kids number one in priority and safety,” Chad Wiseman told reporters.
But another parent whose two-year-old son attends daycare at the school said the lack of information from authorities has been disappointing.
“It’s extremely confusing. I know they have to be careful and thoughtful on how they hand out information,” Adam Whisler said.
“I’m going to give the board some credit. I contacted their media relations on Twitter. They got back to me straight away. I think they’re doing what they can.”
Schwartz-Maltz said around 900 students attend the school but the majority of parents decided to keep their children home on Friday.
Board officials said the school was also affected by a power outage in the area but electricity was restored around 11 a.m.
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