A man went inside a Toronto school two days in a row last week, recorded students, and posted the videos online, police say, in what officers are calling a “suspicious incident.”
Toronto police said they’ve launched a mischief investigation and are searching for a suspect.
Police said on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, a man entered Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute in the city’s east end during school hours.
While inside, he reportedly recorded students and engaged some in conversation.
The videos were then posted online, police said.
Johnny Ghicas, 51, of no fixed address is now wanted for two counts of mischief, two counts of making indecent communication and two counts of common nuisance.
He is described as 150 pounds and five feet tall with a medium build and short black hair, balding on the top.
In a video posted Sept. 5 on an Instagram account with a handle that includes the same name as the accused, a person filming appears to walk around the relatively empty hallways of Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, and says there are no students there.
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“Inside Danforth Technical School a high school in Toronto. I use to go here for Grade 9 in 1988/89 year. Why is it dead empty on the first day of school…?” the caption says.
“Where are all the students? Where are all the teachers?”
In another video on the social media account, this one dated Sept. 6, a person walks through packed hallways of a school, claiming that the children are younger than high school-aged, and asks several kids what grade they are in.
A video posted to the account on Sept. 5 also appears to show the individual attempting to enter a different school, but the doors are locked. He seems to claim that no students actually attend the school.
The principal of Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute Bryan Wires sent a letter to parents on Sept. 7 addressing the situation.
“An unknown man entered our school hallways and was seen interacting with and recording students. This unknown man was brought to our attention after he had already left school premises,” Wires said.
“As a precaution, Toronto police were contacted and were at the school today to investigate. At this time they have determined there is no threat to student safety.”
Wires encouraged everyone in the school community to immediately report strangers or unusual occurrences to a staff member or the office.
“We want to emphasize to students, staff and parents the need for extra care in even the most ordinary and everyday routines,” the letter said.
“Please be assured that our staff will continue to take any necessary steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”
Anyone with information can contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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