2 people detained, suspects outstanding after person with gun reportedly seen at Toronto high school

Two people have been detained after a firearm was reportedly seen at a high school in Toronto.

In a tweet Thursday, Toronto police said officers were called to the Brockley Drive and Treewood Street area at 1 p.m.

Police said officers had received reports of a person with a gun in David and Mary Thomson Collegiate.

Police said the school was placed into a lockdown.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) said Donwood Park Public School had also been placed into lockdown.

Police said road closures were in effect in the area, and asked the public to “avoid the area.”

Officers said Lord Roberts Junior Public School, Charles Gordon Senior Public School, Edgewood Public School, northern College had been placed into hold and secures as a precaution.

In an update just after 4 p.m., Toronto police acting Insp. Jason Albanese said police had located one replica firearm inside the school which is believed to be connected to the incident.

He said two people have been detained.

Two other suspects remain outstanding, Albanese said.

He said the force replied to the call with an “extremely robust response,” adding that it remains an “active investigation.”

Albanese said officers are now conducting a “systematic search” of the school “looking for any persons of interest or property related to the incident.”

He said students are “slowly and safely” being released.

Albanese said eight classes had been released, adding that he hopes the rest of the students would be allowed out in around 40 minutes time.

According to Albanese, no injuries had been reported.

Albanese said the lockdown at Donwood Park Public School and the hold and secures at Lord Roberts Junior Public School, Charles Gordon Senior Public School, Edgewood Public School and Northern College have been lifted.

In a letter to parents Thursday evening, Aatif Choudhry, principal of David and Mary Tomson Collegiate Institute said once staff were notified that a possible weapon had been seen, a lockdown was “immediately initiated.”

“All students and staff were safe throughout,” the letter read.

Choudhry said some students “may experience a wide range of reactions and emotions” as a result of the incident.

Choudhry said social workers will be at the school on Friday to “offer support and counselling and will be available for as long as they are needed.”

“We will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure our students and staff are safe,” Choudhry said.

According to Choudhry, classes at the school will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday.