Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School was forced to close its doors on Monday due to an ongoing police investigation on the school grounds.
According to the North Bay Police Service, they received a call at approximately 9:30 am reporting a suspicious individual on the school property. As a precautionary measure, the school was immediately placed under lockdown and students and staff were instructed to remain in their classrooms.
Upon arrival, police officers discovered a male individual on the school grounds who was believed to be in possession of a weapon. The school was then evacuated and the surrounding area was cordoned off as a safety precaution.
The North Bay Police Service Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit were called in to assist with the investigation. After a thorough search of the school and surrounding area, the individual was located and taken into custody without incident.
The lockdown was lifted at approximately 12:30 pm and students were safely dismissed from the school. No injuries were reported during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing and the individual is currently in police custody. The North Bay Police Service has assured the public that there is no further threat to the school or surrounding community.
The school has released a statement thanking the police for their swift response and ensuring the safety of their students and staff. They have also stated that they will be providing support for any students or staff who may have been affected by the incident.
Parents and guardians were notified of the situation through the school’s emergency notification system and were advised to pick up their children from a designated location.
The school will remain closed for the rest of the day and is expected to reopen tomorrow. The North Bay Police Service will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in schools and the swift response of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of our community.
