EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally said the school was in lockdown mode. EPSB clarified it was actually in alert mode. The article has been updated to reflect this distinction.
Lymburn School in west Edmonton locked its doors with students still inside on Friday afternoon as photos emerged on social media of a major police presence in the area.
Edmonton Public Schools confirmed the school was put on alert and that students were being kept inside indefinitely. However, the school board said students were allowed to move around freely within the school.
The EPSB noted, however, that the threat was not within the school itself.
At about 6 p.m., a Global News crew at the scene said students could be seen exiting the school.
At 4:43 p.m., the Edmonton Police Service issued a news release about the presence of officers in the area.
“Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area near 188 Street and 72 Avenue until further notice, while police deal with an incident involving a barricaded male suspect at a nearby residence,” the news release said.
While the school was put on alert, it was not under lockdown. EPSB said lockdowns occur when there is an immediate threat to a school and staff and students keep quiet and stay out of sight.
At 5:08 p.m., police provided an update on the situation. They said officers responded to a weapon complaint at a home in the area at about 3 p.m. They were told a man had assaulted “two other males” with a knife.
“The two males eventually exited the residence, were treated and transported to hospital by paramedics with non-life-threatening injuries,” police said.
“Police are currently negotiating with the male suspect, who remains inside the residence, at this time.”
On Saturday morning, police confirmed that the situation had been resolved at 2 a.m. when the man peacefully surrendered to police.
He was taken to hospital for precautionary reasons and remains in police custody. Charges are pending.
Parents who spoke to Global News Friday said they were glad the school was taking precautions.
“Better safe than sorry,” said Sy Phan, who has a child in Grade 6 at the school.
“On my way home from work, my wife called me and said the kids aren’t allowed to get out.”
Pam Depeel also has a child in Grade 6 at the school.
“I was here for an assembly and I came out to my car and they didn’t get released so I called the school and they said they were on an alert,” she said.
“I wasn’t really worried. I knew the school would have things under control and I could see that there were police around so I wasn’t really too worried.”
Comments