All classes have been cancelled at St-Thomas High School on Wednesday after a violent altercation sent two teens to hospital and led to the arrests of three minors.
The Lester B. Pearson School Board made the decision in order to allow Montreal police to continue their investigation in Pointe-Claire in the city’s West Island.
A 16-year-old boy remains in critical condition after he was stabbed in his upper body. A second teenager, who is 15, is also in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The two stabbings are related, according to police.
Police say two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old have been arrested. They met with investigators.
Two of the suspects were released on a promise to appear in court at a later date, police said.
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A 16-year-old appeared in youth court Wednesday afternoon. He is not being named because he is a minor.
The teen pleaded not guilty to a total of seven charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of an illegal weapon.
“My client obviously is devastated, his mother is in a complete state of shock,” said defence lawyer, Tom Pentefountas.
“It really is tragic for everyone. You have a situation where from one minute to the next your life is turned upside down for all parties involved.”
The accused remains in custody and is expected to appear for a bail hearing Thursday.
“We object to his release,” said Crown prosecutor Annie Barbeau.
The altercation between two groups occurred Tuesday afternoon in front of St-Thomas High School.
The school board told Global News some of those involved in the incident are students at the school, but it would not confirm if they are victims or those arrested.
“The Lester B. Pearson School Board is taking this incident extremely seriously and our entire community is shocked and distressed by this senseless act of violence,” said chairperson Judy Kelley in a statement.
The incident has left many students shaken.
“It’s very scary to hear about someone getting stabbed, especially in my grade,” said Tejas Singh.
Classes will resume at St-Thomas High School on Thursday. Counsellors and psychologists will be there to assist students who need help or support, according to the school board.
— with files from Global News’ Kalina Laframboise, Tim Sargeant and Annabelle Olivier
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