CFN – Students and staff from Loyalist Collegiate Vocational Institute, Calvin Park Public School, and a daycare were evacuated on Tuesday, May 13 due to a learned bomb threat by school personnel and police.
During the mid-morning members of the Kingston Police uniform patrol attended 153 Van Order Drive, the building which contains both schools and the daycare, in regards to a safety threat reported by the school. Further investigation led to Major Crime detectives becoming involved. Members of the Emergency Response Unit, Canine Unit and other officers responded to assist. Member of the Ontario Provincial Police also attended to provide assistance.
While it was determined there wasn’t an immediate threat to those located inside the building a decision was made by school administration, based upon police consultation and recommendations, to conduct a thorough and controlled evacuation for safety purposes. School personnel and police jointly ensured classrooms and floors were methodically cleared and that all students were accounted for. No one was harmed during the incident.
The building was fully evacuated at approximately 12:30 p.m., whereupon police continued a full search of the school to ensure there were no further safety concerns. Just prior to 2:00 p.m. the search was completed with no explosive or incendiaries devices found. Staff was allowed to return but the school remained closed to students for the remainder of the day due to the ongoing police investigation. The parking lot was re-opened to allow those with vehicles and bicycles to retrieve their means of transportation.
Detectives, with assistance from school staff, were able to identify and speak to the person believed to be responsible for the threats, who is a student at the school. The youth is being dealt with accordingly under options afforded in the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The student will continue to be closely monitored by both police and school personnel. Kingston Police are confident the issue has been resolved and there are no further safety concerns towards students, staff or the community related to this incident.
Kingston Police wish to thank the Limestone District School Board, L.C.V.I. and Calvin Park school personnel and students for their assistance and cooperation with such a challenging ordeal. Additional gratitude is given to the O.P.P. and the local Y.M.C.A. for their help in the matter.