‘Stress and concern’: OPP continue to investigate threats to schools in Kemptville, Iroquois

A little under a week after threats were made against high schools in Kemptville and Iroquois, Kemptville’s St. Michael Catholic High School remains closed as police work to determine the nature of the threats.

Media relations officer for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Bill Dickson told Brockvilleist that Grenville and SD&G OPP, as well as the detachments’ Crime Units, continue to investigate the recent threats that were directed toward St. Michael and Seaway District High School.

“We understand the stress and concern these incidents have caused for students, parents, school staff and everyone in the community,” Dickson said. “We remain committed to locating the individual or individuals responsible and holding them accountable.”

Dickson noted that while police cannot speculate on any connection between these incidents, “that is part of the ongoing investigation.”

All schools in Kemptville and Iroquois were closed on Thursday, Oct. 3 due to the threats directed at the local high schools, however most re-opened on Friday, Oct. 4. At midnight on that date, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) received a call from OPP indicating that police spoke directly to an anonymous person who indicated that there would be an “act of violence involving weapons” at St. Michael on Friday, resulting in the continued closure of that school.

“As we have in the past, we continue to consult with the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Provincial Police, and Kevin Cameron (CTIP) about the threat to public safety at St. Michael,” said an Oct. 8 email to parents and guardians from the school. “However, we have no additional information to share with you as the police investigation is ongoing.”

The school says students will continue to learn online.

“We will also offer support to any students who may need help with their wellbeing,” the email says.

The school says it will provide an additional update tomorrow.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

We are aware that St. Michael School is still closed. Any questions about school closures or re-openings should be directed to the school or the school board.